Scientific Name
Echinopsis atacamensis subsp. pasacana (F.A.C.Weber) G.Navarro
Common Name(s)
Pasacana Tree Cactus, Pasakana, Cardon, Cardon Grande, Cavul
Synonym(s)
Cephalocereus pasacanus, Cereus pasacana, Echinopsis formosissima, Echinopsis pasacana
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Description
Echinopsis atacamensis subsp. pasacana is a large cactus with a columnar habit, sometimes branching to become tree-like. This distinguishes this subspecies from Echinopsis atacamensis subsp. atacamensis, which is usually unbranched and less tall. The cylindrical stems can grow up to 33 feet (10 m) tall and 2.6 feet (80 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are rose-white, up to 6 inches (15 cm) long, and appear from spring to summer on the sides of the stems. The edible fruits are dark green, densely covered with hairs, and up to 2 inches (5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even when slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
Echinopsis can easily be rooted from offsets, which tend to cluster around the mother plant's base. Cut offsets close to the stem, at the narrowest possible place. When rooting cacti from cuttings, let the fresh cutting dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cacti at the narrowest place possible. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on the cut surface's size, the cut surface should have dried out and formed a callous or slightly rough opening. Once the callous has formed, place the cutting in a rooting mixture of fast-draining cacti soil. See more at How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
Origin
Echinopsis atacamensis subsp. pasacana is native to Argentina and Bolivia.
Links
- Back to genus Echinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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