Echinopsis chrysantha

Echinopsis chrysantha, is a species of Echinopsis cactus found in Argentina.

Description

Echinopsis chrysantha grows solitary. The depressed spherical to short cylindrical, dull grey-green shoots have a diameter of and a growth height of. The shoots form an enlarged, carrot-like taproot. There are eight to twelve straight or slightly oblique ribs that are slightly bumpy. The areoles on it are about apart. Reddish-brown spines emerge from them, which turn gray with age. Central spines are not formed. The five to seven laterally radiating radial spines have a length of up to.
The broad, funnel-shaped flowers appear laterally on the shoots and open during the day. They are yellow to orange with a darker reddish purple throat. The flowers are up to long.

Distribution

Echinopsis chrysantha is widespread in the Argentine province of Salta in the Quebrada del Toro at altitudes of 2000 to 3000 meters.

Taxonomy

The first description by Erich Werdermann was published in 1931. The specific epithet chrysantha comes from Greek and means 'with yellow flowers'. Nomenclature synonyms are Lobivia chrysantha Backeb. and Hymenorebutia chrysantha F.Ritter.