Cardon Grande (Echinopsis terscheckii)

Cardon Grande
Scientific Name: Echinopsis terscheckii (Parmentier) Friedrich & G. D. Rowley
Synonym: Trichocereus terscheckii, Cereus terscheckii, Pilocereus terscheckii, Echinopsis werdermanniana, Trichocereus werdermannianus
Family: Cactaceae

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Trichocereus terscheckii at the Boyce-Thompson Arboretum Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 11-13,18-21
USDA: 8b-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 18° F (-8° C)
Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Northern Argentina
Growth Habits: Columnar cactus branching above ground, reaches over 25 feet tall (7.5 m), branches are around 10 inches in diameter (25 cm); 8 to 14 ribs; large brownish areoles, 1 inch apart (2.5 cm); 8 to 15 yellowish spines, 3.2 to 4 inches long (8-10 cm).
Watering Needs: Little water, needs good drainage
Propagation: Seeds

The Cardon Grande is probably the largest Echinopsis. It is occasionally used in landscaping as a faster growing substitute to the Saguaro. It has 8 to 14 ribs. Areoles are about 1 inch apart (2.5 cm). They have up to 15 strong, yellow, spines sometimes over 3 inches long (7 cm), generally less.

Blooming Habits:
The flowers are white, nocturnal, up to 8 inches long (20 cm).

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