Sclerocactus polyancistrus

Sclerocactus polyancistrus is a species of cactus known by several common names, including redspined fishhook cactus,[1] Mojave fishhook cactus, pineapple cactus, and hermit cactus.

Sclerocactus polyancistrus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Sclerocactus
Species:
S. polyancistrus
Binomial name
Sclerocactus polyancistrus

Distribution

Sclerocactus polyancistrus is native to the Mojave Desert in eastern California and southern Nevada. It grows in desert scrub, woodlands, and canyons, often on limestone substrate.

Description

The Sclerocactus polyancistrus cactus has a cylindrical stem up to 25 centimeters tall by 8 wide. They may grow in clusters. The cactus is densely spiny, each areole has several reddish or white central spines with hooked tips and several more white spines around the edge.

The fragrant flower is up to 10 centimeters wide and may be most any shade of pink or red-violet. The scaly, fleshy fruit is 2 or 3 centimeters long.

References
  1. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Sclerocactus polyancistrus". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 8 November 2015.


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