Claret Cup
King Cup Cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Observed on a sandstone outcrop in Reynold's Canyon, Gila Co., Arizona, USA. June 2011.
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FLOWERS: The many red petals (tepals) are oriented almost vertical when
the flower opens forming a cup that yields nectar for especially hummingbirds.
Blooms June and July depending on elevation.
LEAVES: No leaves. Succulent stems are pleated vertically and carry out
photosynthesis in the surface cortex.
SUCCULENT: Several to many stems form clumps rarely approaching
15 cm tall.
RANGE: Found on drier, open sites in ponderosa woodlands and also in
piñon-juniper and oak woodlands. Surprisingly tolerant of sub-freezing
temperatures that are common at 1800 m elevation. Several similar species
and varieties are distinguished by virtue of double or quadruple chromosomes
and characteristics of the spines, hairs and stem shapes. Ranges north into
Colorado and east to Texas.
FRUIT: The fleshy green to yellow fruits become dry at maturity and are
set with sharp spines.
ARMED. The stout spines may be shorter, longer or more numerous between
populations and similar species.
Cactaceae -- Cactus Family
More Information:
- Southwest Environemtnal Information Network
- Wikipedia
- USDA Plant Profile
- ITIS Taxonomic Report
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search