This is a spectacular time of year for Echinopsis hybrids, and four examples are included here, all in flower today at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. These cacti have been developed by crossing species from the southern half of South America, many from Argentina and southern Bolivia. Their parentage includes species in several related genera, including Trichocereus, Lobivia and Echinopsis. For a time, all of these were lumped together in a greatly enlarged version of the genus Echinopsis, but there were taxonomic problems with this, and the former genera have now been reinstated. However they are classified, they have very showy flowers and make a big impression on visitors to the garden. The four plants pictured are 1) an unnamed hybrid of Lobivia bruchii, 2) Echinopsis ‘Cherry Red’, 3) Echinopsis ‘Epic’, 4) Echinopsis ‘Flying Saucer’.
La Antorcha. What started as a sketch of a bloom on my echinopsis cactus evolved into something more! I’d like to further explore this idea, possibly with more cacti that come from South America. Gettin’ in touch with my roots!
