Echinocereus engelmannii – “Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus”

Also Known As: Calico Cactus, Engelmann Hedgehog Cactus
Family: Cactus (Cactaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-May
Form: Multiple cylindrical stems; 1-2 feet (0.3-.6 m) tall
Habitat: Gravelly slopes, often among rocks
Leaves: 15-20 spines with 2-7 central spines, color and shape variable
Translation: “Echinocereus” is Greek for “waxy hedgehog” – “waxy” describes the smooth skin; “engelmannii” is named for George Engelmann (1809-1884), German-born U.S. physician, botanist, author, and head of Missouri Botanical Gardens.
Notes: “Strawberry” refers to the succulent fruits – called “pitayas” by some – which are edible and drop their spines when ripe. “Calico” describes the spines which vary in color on the same plant. Stems number at least 6-12 with as many as 60 on an older plant. Flowers close at the end of the day and remain closed if enough pollination occurred. If not, the flower opens for a second or third day.
Native American Uses: The Pima ate the fruits.
Animal Associations: Birds and rodents eat the seeds, which are rich in fat.