Publication: 1996:4 nom. nud.
Description
This plant previously classificated as Echinocereus ortegae subs. koehresianus is instead related to Echinocereus scheeri, it differs in its intensely spiny finger sized stems that branch profusely from the base. It has a whitish appearance due to spine colour. However the distinguishing characteristics of this plant, appear to fall within the natural variation of Echinocereus scheeri and it should be synonymized with the latter.
Habit: It is a columnar cactus, forming clumps or cushions with densely arranged shoots sometime creeping.
Stems: 10-40 cm tall and 2,5 to 4 cm in diameter, upright cylindrical, yellowish-green to dark green.
Ribs: 7 to 16 low.
Areoles: Small 2-3 mm apart.
Radial spines: 10 or more, short, the young spines are yellowish but turns whitish rapidly.
Central spines: 3 to 4 (to 6) Yellowish to dark reddish turning whitish soon.
Flowers: Funnelform on the sides of the stems, 6-10 cm long, huge colourful bright orange-red, with long hairy tube and 9 green stigma lobes.
Origin and Habitat
Mexico, Sinaloa, Durango, between El Carrizo & Loberas.
Cultivation and Propagation
In culture it is without problems, easy to grow, very attractive and regularly shows its beautiful flowers, if provided with an adequate winter rest period. It is sensitive to over-watering (rot prone), and needs good drainage. Keep drier and cool in winter. Needs full sun. In the summer they need an airy location in bright sun; well watered when it’s hot. To achieve the best spine density give these plants lots of sun. In the winter light, cool, and absolutely dry conditions. Very cold resistant above -12° C or less for short periods of time. In mild climate they grow well when planted freely outside in well-drained soil.
Propagation: Seeds (usually), it also can be grown from cuttings, as it can branch from the base.
Notes
Taylor (1993) lists this variety as a synonym of Echinocereus ortegae.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Edward F. Anderson: The Cactus Family. Timber Press, Portland (Oregon) 2001
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James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
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David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. “The New Cactus Lexicon” dh books, 2006
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Nigel P. Taylor “The Genus Echinocereus” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, 1985
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