About Soehrensia huascha subsp. huascha
This cactus subspecies typically branches from its base and forms low-growing clusters that can reach up to 1 meter in height. It produces cylindrical, fresh green stems that grow upright or creep with an erect shoot tip; these stems have 14 to 17 ribs and reach approximately 5 centimeters (2.0 inches) in diameter. Areoles, which produce yellowish to brownish, needle-like spines, can grow up to 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) in diameter. There are 1 to 3 central spines, which are slightly thicker than the radial spines, and measure between 2 and 7 centimeters long. There are 9 to 11 radial spines, which can reach up to 1.5 inches long. Funnel-shaped to bell-shaped flowers grow near the apex of the stems, and are highly variable in form. The flowers open during the day, grow up to 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) long, and up to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) in diameter. The olive green flower cup is 4.5 centimeters (1.8 inches) long, and covered in brownish to black hairs that measure 4 to 6 millimeters (0.16 to 0.24 inches) long. Fruits are spherical to egg-shaped, yellowish green or reddish, and can reach up to 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) in diameter. Soehrensia huascha subsp. huascha is widespread in northwestern Argentina, in the provinces of Catamarca and La Rioja, where it grows at altitudes between 500 and 2000 meters.
