Acuña Cactus

Scientific Name: Sclerocactus erectocentrus var. acunensis (W.T. Marshall)
Synonym: Echinomastus acunensis, Echinomastus erectocentrus var. acunensis , Neolloydia erectocentra var. acunensis
Family: Cactaceae

Origin: USA, Arizona (Organpipe National Monument, northward and east to the Florence area, four known populations), and Mexico (Sonora: Sonoyta), 1,300-2,000 feet (400-600 m)

Growth Habits: Solitary, pale bluish green stems, 2.4 to 6 (to 15) inches tall (6-15 cm), 3 to 5 inches in diameter (7.5-12.5 cm); 15 to 21 ribs; large areoles, with groove extending from each areole to the base of the tubercle; 2 or 3 reddish central spines on mature plants only, with one upward-pointing, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm); 11 to 15 reddish radials with dark tip, up to 1 inch long (2.5 cm)

Propagation: Not self-fertile (Johnson 1992)

This species was recently transferred to Sclerocactus, and not all the botanists accept the transfer. There are also questions about the validity about this variety, separated from the type, mostly by the geographical distribution in Arizona.

Blooming Habits:
Pink to violet flowers in March-April, 1.2 to 2 inches long (3-5 cm). Fruits are green, 0.5 inch long and dry to a tan color, and seeds are black.