Echinocereus mojavensis – “Claret Cup Cactus”

Also Known As: Mound Cactus, Mojave Mound Cactus, Kingcup Cactus, Three Spine Hedgehog Cactus
Other Botanical Names: Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. mojavensis
Family: Cactus (Cactaceae)
Bloom Period: Apr-Jun
Form: Multiple cylindrical stems; 6-14 inches (15-35 cm) tall
Habitat: Rocky slopes, outcroppings and cliffs, often in shady areas
Leaves: 3–11 spines, with 1-6 central spines, highly variable in size, often grey
Translation: “Echinocereus” is Greek for “waxy hedgehog” – “waxy” describes the smooth skin; “mojavensis” means “of the Mojave Desert”; “triglochidiatus” is Greek for “with three spines,” which refers to the fact that some specimens have three spines per cluster.
Notes: The flower often does not open completely, giving it the appearance of a chalice or a cup. Over time, the plant forms a mound that can contain hundreds of stems.
Native American Uses: The Isleta extracted water from the pulp in emergencies, but more commonly ate the fruits and the pulp. They prepared the pulp with sugar in a variety of ways to make sauces, cakes, candy, and sweet pickles. They also used the dried pulp as candles.
Animal Associations: Flowers are much loved by hummingbirds, who are attracted to the color red. Fruits eaten by Rock Squirrels.