Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded, Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 2.5 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 0.5 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | The immature form of this species is round, but later elongates to a columnar form up to 2.5 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Stems | The stem is composed of 12-20 deeply furrowed ribs which spiral slightly to the right. The ribs are tuberculate, protruding slightly below the areoles. Each areole produces a cluster of 4 central spines (up to 15 cm long, 0.6 cm wide) and 6-13 radial spines (up to 3 cm long), The reddish to brownish yellow central spines are thick, flattened and hooked near the tip which is very sharp. Radial spines are needle-like, initially reddish and later turning grey. Some spines develop into nectar-producing glands known as extrafloral nectaries. |
| Flowers | Funnel-shaped flowers (5-6 cm long, 5.5 cm wide) are composed of yellow to orange tepals (petals and petal-like sepals) with a red longitudinal stripe down the middle. The throat is bright red. |
| Cultivation | This species prefers a sandy, slightly acidic soil. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Red, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31839 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6239 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
