Baker Kingcup Cactus

echinocereus bakeri

The Baker Kingcup Cactus, scientifically known as Echinocereus bakeri, is a spectacular succulent native to the arid rocky slopes of the southwestern United States. Forming dense, multi-stemmed mounds, this resilient cactus is highly celebrated for its spectacular spring display. During the blooming season, it erupts with brilliant, cup-shaped scarlet flowers that stand in sharp contrast to the harsh, dusty desert floor. These showy blooms are not just a visual treat; they act as a crucial early-season nectar source for returning hummingbirds and native bees. Adapted to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and under intense sunlight, this species showcases the incredible resourcefulness of desert flora. Gardeners and nature enthusiasts cherish the Baker Kingcup Cactus for its rugged beauty, extreme frost tolerance, and ability to thrive where few other plants can survive.

Hábitat: Typically found growing on rocky limestone slopes, gravelly ledges, and sandstone canyon walls in desert scrublands.

Aspecto

This cactus grows in dense, cushion-like clumps consisting of several dozen cylindrical, pale green to bluish-green stems. Each stem stands upright, reaching up to 40 centimeters in height, and is marked by 8 to 11 pronounced ribs. These ribs are adorned with clusters of needle-like spines, with yellowish-brown central spines and paler radial spines spreading outward. In late spring, the plant produces magnificent funnelform, cup-shaped flowers that are vibrant orange-red to deep scarlet, measuring up to 8 centimeters across. The flowers feature bright green stigma lobes at their centers, surrounded by numerous pollen-dusted stamens.

ReinoPlantaeFiloTracheophytaClaseMagnoliopsidaOrdenCaryophyllalesFamiliaCactaceaeGéneroEchinocereus

Baker Kingcup Cactus

Categoría

Plantas

Rareza

Common

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Its flowers remain open both day and night for several days, unlike many other desert cacti whose blooms only last a single day.

Native Americans historically used the boiled stems of related Echinocereus species as a traditional sweet treat or for medicinal heart remedies.

The common name 'Kingcup' refers to the bright, chalice-like shape of its brilliant red flowers.

Habilidades especiales

Utilizes Crassulacean Acid Metabolism to open its stomata only at night, significantly reducing water loss during the heat of the day.

Withstands freezing winter temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius by actively dehydrating its cells to prevent ice crystal damage.

Forms dense, multi-headed mounds that shade their own bases and collect moisture, creating a self-sustaining microclimate.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud: 10-40 cm
Peso: 0.5-6 kg
Esperanza de vida: 20-60 años

Dieta y alimentación

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its shallow root system.

Alimentos principales

Sunlight
Carbon dioxide
Water
Soil minerals

Conexiones ecológicas

mutualism

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

Pollinates the flowers while feeding on nectar.

eaten by

Desert Woodrat

Neotoma lepida

Feeds on the cactus stems and fruits, occasionally using the spiny mounds for nesting shelter.

mutualism

Halictid Bee

Lasioglossum pectoraloides

Collects pollen from the flowers, assisting in cross-pollination.

Rasgos

Aún no hay insignias de rasgos asignadas a este objeto.

También conocido como

Todavía no hay alias listados.

Colecciones

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Seguridad

Peligro

1/5 · Muy bajo

Todavía no hay notas especiales de seguridad.

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Cómo identificar a Baker Kingcup Cactus?

La forma más fácil de identificar a Baker Kingcup Cactus es usar la aplicación de identificación de naturaleza Snappit.

¿Cuál es el longitud de Baker Kingcup Cactus?

10-40 cm

¿Cuál es el peso de Baker Kingcup Cactus?

0.5-6 kg

¿Cuál es el esperanza de vida de Baker Kingcup Cactus?

20-60 años

¿Qué come Baker Kingcup Cactus?

As a photosynthetic plant, it synthesizes its own sugars from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, while absorbing essential minerals through its shallow root system.

¿Dónde se encuentra normalmente Baker Kingcup Cactus?

Typically found growing on rocky limestone slopes, gravelly ledges, and sandstone canyon walls in desert scrublands.