Needle Spined Pineapple Cactus

Scientific Name: Sclerocactus erectocentrus (J. Coulter) N. P. Taylor
Synonym: Echinocactus erectocentrus, Echinocactus erectocentrus, Echinocactus horripilus var. erectocentrus , Echinocactus krausei, Echinomastus erectocentrus, Mammillaria childsii, Neolloydia erectocentra, Theocactus drausei
Family: Cactaceae

Origin: USA (Arizona, Pima and Cochise counties: Tucson area east and south to the Mexican border), at 3,000 to 4,600 feet elevation (900-1400 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; 1 or 2 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)

This species was recently transferred to Sclerocactus, and not all the botanists accept the transfer. There are also questions about the validity about the acunensis 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 ½ inch long and dry to a tan color, and seeds are black.