About Stenocereus alamosensis (J.M.Coult.) A.C.Gibson & K.E.Horak
Stenocereus alamosensis is a shrub-like cactus with bluish-green, columnar, often arched shoots. Shoots reach 2 to 4 meters in height, and grow up to 8 centimeters in diameter. Its stems have 5 to 8 slightly arched ribs that measure around 1 centimeter high. This cactus produces 1 to 4 strong, protruding whitish central spines, which grow up to 4.5 centimeters long. It also has 11 to 18 whitish marginal spines that measure 1.3 to 2.2 centimeters long. Its flowers are tubular, red, and bloom during the day. The flowers measure 7 to 10 centimeters in length and 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter, and have reflexed bracts. Fruits are spherical, red, and 3 to 4.5 centimeters in diameter. Ripe fruits are typically bare, and retain a persistent flower remnant. Stenocereus alamosensis is native to Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico, where it grows at altitudes ranging from 0 to 800 meters. It is viviparous, meaning its seeds germinate before leaving the parent plant; this is apparently an adaptation to its habitat of flood-prone coastal plains.
