About Echinocereus reichenbachii subsp. armatus (Poselg.) N.P.Taylor
Echinocereus reichenbachii is a perennial shrub, and one of the smaller species in the Echinocereus genus. Immature specimens have a spherical shape that becomes cylindrical as the plant grows. Individuals may grow alone or branch into clusters of up to twelve plants. Their erect stems have 10 to 19 slightly undulate ribs, and reach 7.5 to 30 centimetres (3.0 to 11.8 in) tall and 4 to 10 centimetres (1.6 to 3.9 in) wide. Stems are dark green, but are largely hidden by spines, especially when the plant is dehydrated. Areoles are elliptical or oval, spaced 1 to 6 millimetres (0.039 to 0.236 in) apart, and each holds 15 to 36 spines. Spines can be tan, brown, black, purplish black, or pink, and their tips are usually darker than the spine shaft. Central spines are typically the darkest of the spines. There are up to 7 central spines per areole, each 1 to 6 millimetres (0.039 to 0.236 in) long. Flowering occurs between early May and late June, and fruits develop 6 to 10 weeks after flowering. Individual flowers open for just one day, but anthesis is usually staggered so blooming can last a full week. Flower buds are covered in white wool that hides the developing fruit. Flowers are purple or pink, and reach approximately 4.5 to 8 centimetres (1.8 to 3.1 in) by 5 to 10 centimetres (2.0 to 3.9 in) in size. The inner tepals of the flower are silvery pink or magenta, while outer portions are white, crimson, green, or multicolored. Flower tubes measure 22 to 40 millimetres (0.87 to 1.57 in) by 10 to 30 millimetres (0.39 to 1.18 in). Hairs on the flower tube are 5 to 15 millimetres (0.20 to 0.59 in) long, and the nectar chamber is 2 to 5 millimetres (0.079 to 0.197 in) deep. Each flower has 30 to 50 ragged or notched petals. Pistils are multi-lobed and green, while stamens are cream-colored or yellow. Fruits come in various shades of green, and measure 15 to 28 millimetres (0.59 to 1.10 in) long. This plant is native to the entire Chihuahuan Desert, surrounding grasslands, and oak and juniper woodlands, growing at elevations up to 1,500 meters (4,900 ft). In the United States, it is native to Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma. In northern Mexico, it is native to the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The Oklahoma variety E. reichenbachii baileyi has especially long, bristlelike spines. Echinocereus reichenbachii tolerates both cold and heat, and prefers dry, well-drained soils near rock outcroppings. For cultivation, Echinocereus reichenbachii prefers full sun and requires very little water. It thrives in dry, well-drained gravelly, clay, and loam soils, and in locations near rock outcroppings. It is cold and heat tolerant, drought resistant, and grows well under glass. It is susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects. Propagation is done using seeds collected when fruits begin to dry. This species is used as an ornamental in commercial landscaping, particularly in desert environments. It is considered deer resistant, and has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
