Argentine Hedgehog. Echinopsis huascha, Cactus family ( Cactaceae ), Red Torch Cactus. Also Called: Trichocereus huascha, Blooming Jewel, & Red Torch Cactus. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Echinopsis huascha is a medium sized clumping, basally branching, columnar cactus, growing from 18 inches to 36 inches tall. It can be used as a grafting stock for smaller cactus species. It has beautiful large red flowers that open in the evening and last 1-3 days. It is native to Argentina. Echinopsis huascha used to be named Trichocereus huascha. The Echinopsis Genus; is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. Their approximately 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name Echinopsis, derives from the echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and the opsis appearance, which is a reference to the plants' dense covering of spines. Echinopsis are remarkable for their great size, length of their tube, and the beauty of their flowers, which are large and attractive. Echinopsis huascha is basally branching, with cylindrical stems ramifying only at the base, up to 3 feet tall, with each stem 2 to 3 inches in diameter; with 12 to 18 ribs; whitish brown areoles; 1 to 2 centrals, up to 2 1/2 inches long; and 9 to 11 brown radials, up to 1 3/5 inches long. The areoles, are distanced from each other by about 3/16 of an inch, they are yellowish and they have 9 - 11 radial, needle-shaped thorns, up to about 1 inch long, of a yellowish or pale brown colour, and 1 - 3 central thorns, slightly more robust than the radial ones and about 1/10 to 2 1/4 inches long, and of the same color. The flowers have areoles that are close to the apex. They open during the day and remain open for about three days. They are from funnel to bell-shaped, about 2 3/4 ti 4 inches long and 2 1/3 to 2 3/4 inches wide. They are usually red, but orange and yellow colors are not uncommon; ovary and floral tube are covered by scale and a thick down. The fruits are globose, yellowish or reddish, with a diameter up to 1 1/5 inch. The fruit easily reproduces by cutting, but it will need to be well dried up for some weeks. It also reproduces by seed, ibut the color of the flowers may differ to that of the mother plant. It should be grown in full sun. It prefers a mix of about 50% of common fertilized garden soil and for the remaining part, in equal quantity, of sand, perlite, and crushed limestone. It seems to be hardy, in dry soil and for short period, temperatures as low as about 30� F, but it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 32� F, especially in presence of humidity. With the proper mix of soil, it can be grown in pots. We suggest cactus mix. In the summer, during it's growing period, it needs to be regularly watered, but you should let the surrounding soil mould dry up completely before watering again. But during the winter, the soil should to be kept dry, especially when the temperatures are low, this cool and dry period will help in the spring blooming. Quick Notes: Height: About 18 inches to 36 inches tall. Flowers: Red-violet or fuchsia colored flowers; Cup Shaped, 2" - 3" long and wide. Blossoms last for about three days. Blooming Time: Late March - April. Fruit & Seeds: Red, globose, yellowish or reddish, Up to 1 to 1 1/2 inch long and with a diameter from 3/4 to 1 1/5 inch. The fruit is edible. Leaves or Segments: Cylendrical and Green, from 2 to 3" in diameter. with 12 to 18 small ribs. They often grow together in a base of a loose cluster of stems which can spread out as large as 3 feet in size. Spines: 9 - 11 radial, needle-shaped thorns, up to about 1 inch long, of a yellowish or pale brown colour, and 1 - 3 central thorns, slightly more robust than the radial ones and about 1/10 to 2 1/4 inches long, and of the same color. Fruit: Red, Up to 1" long and 3/4" in diameter fruit which is edible. Seeds: Black oval - about 1/32 inch in length. Found: Native to the low deserts of north-western Argentina, in the states of Catamarca and La Rioja. Also of Bolivia. Elevation: 0 -2,800 Feet. Hardiness: While its native location is near to some very cold areas, it is native to lower and warmer elevations. USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Partial Shade Habitat: It grows on the slopes of the eastern cordillera of northwestern Argentina, in semi-arid areas almost devoid of vegetation. In Arizona it grows at lower elevations where some water is available. It grows well in sand, sandy loam. It needs good drainage and aeration. Roots will rot if overwatered! Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 31, 2003 at Glendale, Arizona.

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