Status:
valid
Authors:
(K.Brandegee) Dams
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1904
Citation Micro:
in Monatsschr. Kakteenk. 14(8): 130. 1904.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001430740
Description
Echinocereus sciurus (also called Squirrel's Tail Cactus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It is a shrubby, clumping cactus with short, cylindrical stems that can reach up to 30 centimeters in height. Its stems are covered in small, white spines and are topped with large, yellow flowers. It is typically found in dry, desert habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Echinocereus sciurus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a windbreak or a living fence. The plant is also used as a source of food and medicine.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Echinocereus sciurus sub. floresii (Schwarz ex Backeb.) N.P.Taylor
Echinocereus sciurus sub. sciurus
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Echinocereus sciurus has white flowers with a yellow stigma. Its seeds are small and black. Its seedlings are small and globular with yellow spines.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinocereus sciurus is a slow-growing, globose cactus native to Mexico and the United States. It can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in height. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Propagation is usually done by cuttings, as the plant does not produce viable seeds.
Where to Find Echinocereus sciurus
Echinocereus sciurus can be found in the wild in Mexico, in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua.
Echinocereus sciurus FAQ
What is the common name of Echinocereus sciurus?
Sciurus Echinocereus
What is the natural habitat of Echinocereus sciurus?
Deserts and dry grasslands
How often should Echinocereus sciurus be watered?
Once every two weeks
Species in the Echinocereus genus
Echinocereus occidentalis,
Echinocereus adustus,
Echinocereus aggregatus,
Echinocereus arizonicus,
Echinocereus barthelowanus,
Echinocereus berlandieri,
Echinocereus bonkerae,
Echinocereus bristolii,
Echinocereus carmenensis,
Echinocereus chisosensis,
Echinocereus chloranthus,
Echinocereus cinerascens,
Echinocereus claviformis,
Echinocereus coccineus,
Echinocereus dasyacanthus,
Echinocereus davisii,
Echinocereus engelmannii,
Echinocereus enneacanthus,
Echinocereus ferreiranus,
Echinocereus grandis,
Echinocereus huitcholensis,
Echinocereus klapperi,
Echinocereus knippelianus,
Echinocereus kroenleinii,
Echinocereus kunzei,
Echinocereus laui,
Echinocereus ledingii,
Echinocereus leucanthus,
Echinocereus lloydii,
Echinocereus longisetus,
Echinocereus mapimiensis,
Echinocereus maritimus,
Echinocereus metornii,
Echinocereus milleri,
Echinocereus mombergerianus,
Echinocereus neocapillus,
Echinocereus nicholii,
Echinocereus nivosus,
Echinocereus ortegae,
Echinocereus pacificus,
Echinocereus palmeri,
Echinocereus papillosus,
Echinocereus parkeri,
Echinocereus pectinatus,
Echinocereus penicilliformis,
Echinocereus persolutus,
Echinocereus polyacanthus,
Echinocereus poselgeri,
Echinocereus primolanatus,
Echinocereus princeps,
Species in the Cactaceae family
Acanthocalycium glaucum,
Acanthocalycium spiniflorum,
Acanthocalycium thionanthum,
Acanthocalycium leucanthum,
Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum,
Acanthocalycium klimpelianum,
Acanthocereus chiapensis,
Acanthocereus tetragonus,
Acanthocereus guatemalensis,
Acanthocereus maculatus,
Acanthocereus canoensis,
Acanthocereus castellae,
Acanthocereus cuixmalensis,
Acanthocereus fosterianus,
Acanthocereus haackeanus,
Acanthocereus hesperius,
Acanthocereus hirschtianus,
Acanthocereus macdougallii,
Acanthocereus oaxacensis,
Acanthocereus paradoxus,
Acanthocereus rosei,
Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus,
Acanthocereus atropurpureus,
Acharagma aguirreanum,
Acharagma roseanum,
Airampoa albisaetacens,
Airampoa armata,
Airampoa ayrampo,
Airampoa boliviensis,
Airampoa cedergreniana,
Airampoa chilensis,
Airampoa corrugata,
Airampoa erectoclada,
Airampoa ianthinantha,
Airampoa microdisca,
Airampoa minuscula,
Airampoa orurensis,
Airampoa panellana,
Airampoa picardoi,
Airampoa silvestris,
Airampoa tilcarensis,
Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis,
Aporocactus flagelliformis,
Aporocactus martianus,
Aporocactus moennighoffii,
Aporocactus knebelii,
Aporoheliocereus smithianus,
Ariocarpus agavoides,
Ariocarpus bravoanus,
Ariocarpus drabi,
References
Erich Dams: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Dams' in the authors string.