About Echinopsis aurea subsp. aurea
Echinopsis aurea subsp. aurea grows either alone or in clusters. Its dark green shoots are spherical to short cylindrical, growing 5 to 10 centimeters (2.0 to 3.9 inches) tall with a diameter of 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches). The shoots have 14 to 15 sharp, distinct ribs separated by deep furrows. Brownish areoles are spaced up to 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) apart along these ribs. Spines that are brownish to black near the shoot base, with yellowish tips, grow from these areoles. There are typically four strong, often flattened central spines that measure 2 to 3 centimeters (0.79 to 1.18 inches) long. Eight to ten spreading radial spines grow up to 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) long. Flowers, which are mostly shiny lemon yellow and rarely white or red, grow in clusters on the sides of shoots and open during the day. They reach up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) long and 8 centimeters (3.1 inches) in diameter. The egg-shaped fruits are semi-dry and split open when mature. This subspecies is widespread in the Argentine provinces of Salta, Santiago del Estero, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Luis, and Córdoba, growing at altitudes between 500 and 1500 meters.
