echinocereus rigidissimus rubrispinus

Echinocereus rigidissimus rubrispinus is native to southeastern New Mexico, inhabiting calcareous, gravelly slopes at 1200-1800 m elevation. A clumping, polycarpic cactus with rigid columnar stems up to 40 cm. Notable for its intense red spines, an uncommon feature within Echinocereus. Cylindrical stems 3-5 cm diameter, forming dense clumps; rigid spines 2-3 cm long, bright red with darker tips; dark green epidermis with bluish hues during summer.