Echinocactus horizonthalonius
Echinocactus horizonthalonius
Echinocactus horizonthalonius is a flowering plant in the genus Echinocactus from the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet horizonthalonius means (Greek halos ) plate edge, horizontal edge plate '. Foreign language common names are "Blue Barrel Cactus ", " Devil's Head Cactus", "Eagle Claw Cactus ", " Mancacaballo ", " Mancamula ", " Melon Cactus ", " Turk's Cap Cactus ", " Turk 's Head Cactus" and " Viznaga mongoose ".
Description
Echinocactus horizonthalonius grows singly or sometimes forming small groups. The depressed globular to short cylindrical shoots are green and blue reach for diameters 10-15 cm plant height of 10 to 50 centimeters. There are usually 8 ribs present, which are divided into some bumps. The 3-5 stiff, somewhat flattened central spines are gray to blackish and 2.5 to 3 centimeters long. One of them is usually bent downwards. The 5-7 gray spines are 2 to 2.5 inches long and slightly outwardly curved or straight.
The pink flowers have a length of 5 to 6.2 centimeters in diameter and reach from 5 to 6.5 centimeters. The first juicy, later dried up fruits are filled with soft, white wool and are 2.5 inches long.
Distribution, systematics and hazard
Echinocactus horizonthalonius is widespread in the southern United States in the states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. In Mexico, the distribution area in the south reaches up to San Luis Potosí. The first description was published in 1839 by Charles Lemaire. We distinguish between the following two varieties:
- Echinocactus horizonthalonius var horizonthalonius
- Echinocactus horizonthalonius var nicholii
Echinocactus horizonthalonius var nicholii is protected in the United States by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
In the Red List of Threatened Species IUCN, the type is known as " Least Concern ( LC) ," ie, than not led at risk.