About Sclerocactus johnsonii subsp. erectocentrus (J.M.Coult.) M.A.Baker
Sclerocactus johnsonii, which has synonyms including Echinomastus johnsonii, is a cactus species commonly called Johnson's beehive cactus and Johnson's fishhook cactus. This taxon covers the subspecies Sclerocactus johnsonii subsp. erectocentrus. It is native to the southwestern United States, ranging from eastern California to Utah, and to northwestern Mexico, where it grows in desert scrub habitat. The species forms an egg-shaped or cylindrical stem that reaches up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) tall and 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide. The stem is densely covered in spines per areole, with up to 24 spines per areole. Spines may be straight or curved, grow up to 4 centimeters (1 1/2 inches) long, and occur in shades of yellow, gray, lavender, pink, and red. Flowers can be yellow or pink, and the species is sometimes split into two varieties based on flower color. Flowers grow up to 8 centimeters (3 1/6 inches) wide. The fruit is scaly and fleshy, reaching a maximum length of 1.8 centimeters (3/4 inch).
