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Echinopsis terscheckii
Synonym: Trichocereus terscheckii
Family: Cactaceae Common Name: Argentine saguaro Origin: Echinopsis terscheckii is widespread throughout Argentina, including the Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy, La Rioja, San Juan and Tucumán provinces, as well as Bolivia (Tarija). It is native to grasslands, shrublands, and semiarid Chaco forests, 800 – 2,000 meters in elevation. Description: E. terscheckii is a large, tree-like cactus with a columnar central trunk, from which numerous arms will develop over time. Stems are woody and possess 8 to 14 (or occasionally, 18) ribs, and brown, felt-like areoles. From older areoles, golden-brown spines will form, giving the cacti a distinctive sunny appearance. Throughout the year, but primarily in rainy summers, very large white flowers develop laterally across the cacti stem. Flowers are showy, beautiful, and bat pollinated – opening after dark and closing the next afternoon. They will be followed by greenish-blue, oblong fruits, with dark seeds.
Cultivation and Care:
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