| Echinopsis | |
|---|---|
| Echinopsis spachiana | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Tribe: | Trichocereeae |
| Genus: | Echinopsis Zucc. |
| Species | |
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around 180, see text |
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Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cacti, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines.
Echinopsis is distinguished from Echinocactus by the length of the flower tube, from Cereus by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear much larger and more attractive than would be expected.
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Echinopsis species are native to South America (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay). They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.
The growing and resting seasons for Echinopsis are the same as for Echinocactus. Research by J. Smith (former Curator at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) showed that species like the Chilean Echinopsis cristata and its Mexican relatives thrive if potted in light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of limestone. The limestone keeps the soil open; it is important that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very sparingly, and the atmosphere should be dry; the temperature need not exceed 10°C during the night, and in very cold weather it may be allowed to fall to 5°C, provided a higher temperature of 14°C is maintained during the day. In spring, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by frequent spraying overhead, which should be done in the evening. The soil should never be saturated, as the soft fibrous roots will rot if kept wet for any length of time.
None of the species need to be grafted to grow freely and remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.
Several cacti in the genus Echinopsis have been demonstrated to contain the psychedelic alkaloid mescaline and have a long history of traditional use for psychotherapeutic, spiritual, and medicinal purposes. An unknown Echinopsis species (likely E. pachanoi or E. bridgesii) sometimes referred to as "The Cactus of the Four Winds" is said to have potently psychedelic effects. This cactus has four ribs, supposedly an indicator of higher potency; however, it is not uncommon for cacti in the genus Echinopsis to change their rib configurations, with some alternating between a four- and six-rib configuration. Modern analysis has not yet shown any link between the number of ribs and alkaloid content. The suggestion that a square (four-ribbed) plant is "more powerful" might be entirely metaphorical and relate to a native cultural value rather than actual alkaloid content.
Studies in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in several formerly separate genera being absorbed into Echinopsis:
Some have proposed merging Rebutia as well.
Like several other taxonomic changes in Cactaceace, this one has not been universally liked and accepted by amateur and professional growers; names like Echinopsis (in the older sense), Lobivia, Setiechinopsis and Trichocereus are still in common use, while many of the others listed above fell out of common usage long before the change.
The taxonomic changes have been criticised by K. Trout, in particular the inclusion of the genus Trichocereus, and the formation of a huge, complex new genus without an accompanying monograph. Some problems also arose due to namespace collision when this merger was made. Most notably, there had previously existed both Echinopsis bridgesii and Trichocereus bridgesii, which are very different plants. Echinopsis bridgesii is a short clumping cactus, whereas Trichocereus bridgesii is a tall columnar cactus similar to E. (or T.) pachanoi. Under the new classification, Trichocereus bridgesii is known as Echinopsis lageniformis.
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Many hybrids exist, mostly between similar species but also between more distinct ones, such as the cross between E. pachanoi and E. eyriesii which was sold under the name "Trichopsis pachaniesii" by Sacred Succulents.