Echinopsis
Echinopsis thelegonoides
Cactus family (Cactaceae)
Vulnerable
Vanilla fragrance in the night
This 6 m tall cactus grows naturally in the mountains of Argentina where it is known from only four localities. On these dry, mountainous slopes it rains very little and, as with all cacti, rainwater is stored in the green stem. Sharp thorns protect its water resources from thirsty animals. It is a night flowering cactus - white flowers open in the evening and produce a vanilla like fragrance. The centre of the flower is green-yellow and at the base, nectar is found. Nectar production peaks around midnight when the flower is visited by moths.
An obsolete scientific name for this cactus is Trichocereaus rubinghianus, after Herman Rubingh, the president of the Succulent Society. After his death, Rubingh’s cactus collection was incorporated into the collection of the Zuidas Botanical Garden.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Zuidas Botanic Garden.
Details
| Description: | Succulent, cactus bushy in habit with prostrate shoots reaching 3-6m in length that become erect towards the apex; the erect part of the shoots can reach 1 m in height. |
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| Distributions: | Argentina |
| Habitat: | Shrubland - dry subtropical/tropical, at elevations of up to 1,700 m in altitude. |
| Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
| Hardiness: | 34 - 41 f (tender - cool or frost-free glasshouse) |
| Flower color: | White |
| Notes on flowers: | The 20-24 cm long, funnel-shaped, white, fragrant flowers are borne on the side or near the apex and open at night. |
| Notes on fruits: | The round to ellipsoid fruit measure 4-6 cm in cross section. |