Publication: Cactaceae Syst. Init. 16: 8 2003.
Description
Echinopsis litoralis (Echinopsis chiloensis ssp. litoralis) in contrast to the typical tall, tree-like Echinopsis chiloensis, is shrubby with several arching or erect cylindrical branches and about shoulder height. Its has much shorter, thinner and flexible spines. Its large, remarkable white flowers 10 cm diameter bloom in the spring, always emerging on the sun-facing, north side of the plant.
Derivation of specific name: ‘litoralis’ Latin, littoral, coastal; for the occurrence in the coast near the ocean.
Stems: Cylindrical, less than 2 metres tall, grey to dark green, 10-12 cm in diameter branching from the base.
Ribs: ± 20, ’ distinct, fairly thin and slightly tuberculate.
Areoles: Oblique, yellowish, later grey, up to 1 cm apart.
Spines: Yellowish or brownish at first, later grey.
Central spines: 2-6, unequal, fairly thick, 1.6-2.4 cm long.
Radial spines: 15-29, spreading, thin, awl shaped.
Flowers: Solitary, borne laterally near the stem tips, curving somewhat, white to cream-coloured , 12-14 cm long, to 10 cm in diameter.
Fruits: Brownish green, 3-4 cm across.
Origin and Habitat
Echinopsis litoralis occurs along the coast north of Valparaiso (Atacama, Coquimbo Regions), Chile.
Altitude range: 0-300 metres above sea level.
Habitat and ecology: Echinopsis litoralis grows among drought-deciduous scrubs in the coastal regions of the northern part of the mediterranean zone of Chile where it is often the dominant species. Its stems are often covered by lichens. The area is rich in other succulents or stem-succulents, in particular Oxalis bridgesii, Carica chilensis, cacti, in particular, Eriosyce spp., Copiapoa spp., Echinopsis coquimbana, bromeliads Puya venusta, Puya chilensis, Puya beteroniana, of which many are regional endemics. Population analyses indicate that hybridization has occurred between E. chilensis and E. litoralis in the Valparaíso and Santiago coast ranges.
Note: The tall and rigid Echinopsis chiloensis and Eulychnia acida – both growing more inland - are replaced near the ocean by Echinopsis litoralis, and Eulychnia castanea that have flexible, creeping, rarely erect stems with almost no rigid wood. The species near the sea-shore must withstand severe storms in winter; survival is increased if the stems are flexible. Erect, stiff trees would be uprooted easily by these storms, which are very common and sink ships almost every year.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinopsis litoralis is very easy to grow. Need a fertile, well drained soil mix. Water the plants well and allow them to dry before watering again. This species seems to do better with a little more water than most cacti. In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like ‘normal’ plants than most other cacti. During the growing season fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer
Sun Exposure: Outside full sun, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. During winter month, put them in a cool luminous place and encourage them to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser over the winter as they will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light.
Pest amd diseases: They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. They tend characteristically towards black rotted spots unless watering is moderate and only in hot weather, if kept damp through cold periods, they will invariably suffer.
Growth rate: Echinopsis litoralis produces noticeable amounts of growth each year if kept well fed and watered throughout the warmest months, particularly if it has been acclimatised to accept full sun. Once this cactus is established it can easily produce 20 cm of growth every year.
Propagation: Cutting or from seed. The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough water, light, and nutrition.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
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“Haseltonia: Yearbook of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America”, The Society, 1993
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“Cactus World: The Journal of the British Cactus & Succulent Society”, Volume 25
British Cactus & Succulent Society, 2007
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Peter R. Dallman “Plant Life in the World’s Mediterranean Climates: California, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin” University of California Press, 1998
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Urs Eggli, Leonard E. Newton “Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names.” Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg 2010.
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Philip W. Rundel “Population variability in the genus Trichocereus (Cactaceae) in Central chile”. Rundelhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/248020717_Population_variability_in_the_genus_Trichocereus_Cactaceae_in_Central_Chile [accessed Feb 19, 2016]. . Downloaded on 16 February 2016.
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CARLOS RAMIREZ, CRISTINA SAN MARTIN, JOSE SAN MARTIN “Vegetación y dinámica vegetacional en las dunas litorales chilenas – Vegetation and vegetation dynamic of the Chilean littoral dunes” BOSQUE 13(1): 41-48, 1992