About Lobivia hertrichiana Backeb.
This cactus species, originally published as Lobivia hertrichiana Backeb. and now also referred to as Echinopsis hertrichiana, grows either alone or in clustered groups. Its spherical, shiny medium to light green shoots grow up to 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in diameter. The shoots have around eleven sharp, transversely grooved ribs, each bearing circular, white areoles. One straw-colored, upward-curved central spine grows from each areole, reaching up to 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) in length. Six to eight spreading yellowish-brown marginal spines, up to 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) long, are also present. The species produces short, funnel-shaped flowers that open widely during the day. The flowers reach up to 6 centimetres (2.4 in) in length and 7 centimetres (2.8 in) in diameter, are colored in various shades of bright red, and often have a whitish throat. After flowering, it produces small, spherical fruits. Echinopsis hertrichiana is widespread across the Cusco region of Peru, western Bolivia, and the Chilean province of Iquique, where it grows at altitudes between 3000 and 3500 meters.
