HEDGEHOG CACTUS

the genus Echinocereus, about 35 species of the family Cactaceae, native from central Mexico to the western U.S. Hedgehog refers to the spiny fruit. Hedgehog cacti are cylindroid, usually many headed, generally have green stigma lobes (receptive surfaces for pollen), and are often soft bodied. Tubercles (projections) are strongly joined into ribs. Fruit is fleshy, often delicious. The E. viridiflorus complex, with small fragrant green to brown flowers, is the northernmost group, growing from Mexico to Wyoming and South Dakota. The E. triglochidiatus complex ranges from north of Mexico City to northern Utah and southern Colorado.