Scientific Name
Echinocereus pentalophus (DC.) Lem.
Synonym(s)
Cereus pentalophus
Common Name(s)
Alicoche, Devil's Fingers, Dog Tail, Ladyfinger Cactus, Lady Finger Cactus, Lady-finger Hedgehog Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "pentalophus" (pronounced "pen-ta-LOH-fus") means "five-ridged" or "having five ribs" and refers to the five ribs on the stems of this species.
Description
Echinocereus pentalophus is a clump-forming cactus with weak, erect, soon decumbent stems with 4 to 5 ribs lined with clusters of 3 to 9 spines. The stems vary in color from yellowish-green to dark green and reddish-purple. They can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The spines are usually very stiff and straight. They are yellowish, tan, ashy white to dark gray or pale pink, and have dark tips. Each areole bears 3 to 8 radial spines and one central spine, sometimes absent. The radial spines can measure up to 1.5 inches (3.7 cm) long, while the central spine can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long.
In spring, Echinocereus pentalophus produces many brilliant pink or magenta flowers with a white or yellow throat. They are funnel-shaped and can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The fruits are green, with white pulp and black seeds.
Origin
Echinocereus pentalophus is native to the United States and Mexico. It occurs as part of desert scrub that includes plants such as Agave lechuguilla and Hechtia species, and on grassy, rocky plains from San Luis Potosí through Northeastern Mexico and into the southern Rio Grande Valley in southeastern Texas.
Subspecies of Echinocereus pentalophus
- Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. leonensis
- Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. pentalophus
- Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. procumbens
How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus pentalophus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
If you can successfully grow other globular cacti, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially prone to root rot, which can eventually kill your plant. Otherwise, they thrive on a program of intense, bright light, little water, and a steady diet of light fertilizer. These cacti are vulnerable to mealybugs and aphids.
Echinocereus are slow-growing cacti that should only need repotting every other year or so. You can delay repotting by removing plantlets and potting them up in their own pots. When repotting a cactus, carefully remove it from its pot and remove any clumped soil. These plants tend to be shallow-rooted with weak root systems, so take care not to damage their roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus.
Links
- Back to genus Echinocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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