Coryphantha echinus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coryphantha echinus |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| (unranked): | |
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Cacteae
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| Genus: | |
| Species: |
C. echinus
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| Binomial name | |
| Coryphantha echinus (Engelm.) Britton & Rose
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| Synonyms | |
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Mammillaria echinus Engelm. |
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Coryphantha echinus is a cool type of cactus that has a few fun nicknames. People often call it the sea urchin cactus, hedgehog Cory cactus, or rhinoceros cactus. It's a unique plant found in parts of Texas in the United States and in Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico.
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About the Sea Urchin Cactus
This special cactus usually grows by itself. Sometimes, however, you might see it growing in small groups or clumps. It's a plant that loves dry, desert areas.
Where the Cactus Grows
The Coryphantha echinus cactus lives in the southern and eastern parts of the Trans-Pecos region in Texas. You can also find it near Del Rio. In Mexico, it grows in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. Sometimes, it pops up in other parts of the northeast Trans-Pecos too.
Flowers and Fruits
This cactus produces bright yellow flowers. These flowers are quite special because they only last for a few hours! You can usually see them blooming between April and July. After the flowers fade, the cactus then grows small green fruits.
How It Was Discovered
The Coryphantha echinus cactus was first found by a botanist named Charles Wright. He collected it way back in 1849. Later, another scientist, George Engelmann, officially described it. He first named it Mammillaria echinus.
