Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubispinus Cactus

Echinocereus rigidissimus Origin and Habitat: Mexico (northern Sonora, north-western Chihuahua
Habitat: The reported habitat preference for limestone is erroneous; this species is a calcifuge, preferring soils poor in lime and usually acid.

Description: Echinocereus rigidissimus subs. rubispinus is one of the local form of Echinocereus rigidissimus. It distinguishes for the very short dusty red-purple spines (not pink and white) and dull purple-red (not green) stigma lobes. It is also up to 50% smaller in all its parts. Its blossoms are bright magenta red and are large and showy in comparison with the small size of the stem. Its unique-looking spination makes it one the the best Echinocereus species.
Habit: It is a small columnar cactus that when mature will form a clump about to 60 cm wide by 25 cm tall.
Stems: Erect, short cylindrical, only get about 7cm thick.
Radial spines: 30-35 pectinate per areole and 6-10 mm in length in red and white bands, but more ruby/violet coluoured compared to the ‘rigidissimus’ subspecies, witch makes it a very attractive cactus. This is a Mexican form and does not turn grey like the Arizona form.
Flowers: Huge up to 10 cm wide. Beautiful bright pinkish-red or magenta or red with white throats. Blooms in ring on the crown of the stem in spring. The only downside is the flowers leave an unsightly scar when they drop off.
Fruits: Globose, greenish or dark purplish brownish very spiny, 3 cm in diameter, pulp white. Fruiting 3 months after flowering