Echinopsis

For the genus of sea urchin, see Echinopsis (sea urchin).
Not to be confused with Echinops or Echidnopsis.

Echinopsis
Echinopsis oxygona
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Subtribe: Trichocereinae
Genus: Echinopsis
Zucc.
Type species
Echinopsis eyriesii, now Echinopsis oxygona
Species

Around 20, see text

Synonyms
  • Andenea Kreuz.
  • Aureilobivia Frič ex Kreuz., not validly publ.
  • Cosmantha Y.Itô
  • × Cosmopsis Y.Itô
  • Echinonyctanthus Lem.
  • Hymenorebutia Frič ex Buining
  • Pilopsis Y.Itô, not validly publ.
  • Salpingolobivia Y.Itô
  • × Salpingolobiviopsis Y.Itô

and see text

Echinopsis is a genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. As of October 2023, there are about 20 accepted species, ranging 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.

They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems.