Echinocereus perplexus
Echinocereus perplexus is a species of cactus native to Texas.
Description
Echinocereus perplexus is a cactus species that usually branches and forms groups of 3 to 9 stems, with a combined diameter ranging from. The stems are cylindrical, upright, and measure in height, with a diameter of. The plant features 13 to 17 slightly tuberculate ribs, with areoles spaced apart. Each areole has 2 to 4 central spines that are long, reddish in color. These central spines are typically arranged in a vertical row, though sometimes four central spines form a cross shape. Additionally, each areole has 14 to 20 radial spines, measuring in length, also reddish, arranged in a comb-like pattern. The flowers are yellow and funnel-shaped. The tips of the tepals are white to yellow initially, gradually developing orange, pink, or magenta tones. The flowers are long and in diameter.The fruits are oval-shaped, measuring in length and approximately in diameter. They are dark green on the outside, with juicy white pulp that contains pink inclusions. The seeds are black and in length. This species is tetraploid, with a chromosome number of 4n = 44.