Kingcup Cactus
ExplorePlants
Kingcup Cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
The Kingcup Cactus is a special plant that grows in the desert. It has bright, colorful flowers and is shaped like a little cup. This cactus loves the sun and can survive in very dry places!
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Kingcup Cactus has thick, ribbed stems covered in bundles of sharp, reddish-brown spines. Its striking, waxy flowers are a vibrant scarlet or orange-red, often appearing in clusters at the stem tops, creating a brilliant splash of color against its green body.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusEchinocereus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its bright fruits taste like strawberries, often enjoyed by desert animals!
Some parts of this cactus can actually survive a wildfire and grow back!
The Kingcup Cactus is sometimes called a 'claret cup' for its wine-red flowers.
This tough plant can live for over 50 years, even in very harsh conditions!
Special abilities
Ability
Spiny Armor
Kingcup Cactus has sharp spines that deter hungry animals from taking a bite, keeping it safe in the desert.
Ability
Water Keeper
Its thick stems are perfectly designed to store precious water, helping it survive long, dry periods in harsh climates.
Ability
Frost Fighter
This cactus can withstand surprisingly cold temperatures, allowing it to thrive high on chilly mountain slopes.
Ability
Bright Signal
The Kingcup Cactus grows brilliant red-orange flowers to attract busy bees and hummingbirds for pollination.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Helps spread pollen from its bright flowers.
pollinates
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
Sips nectar, carrying pollen to other flowers.
eaten by
White-throated Woodrat
Neotoma albigula
Feeds on the sweet, red fruits of the cactus.
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Browses on the fruits, sometimes even the stems.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful around cacti! Their spines can be sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Kingcup Cactus?
10-30 cm
How wide does Kingcup Cactus spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Kingcup Cactus?
5-8 cm
When does Kingcup Cactus bloom?
Spring to early Summer
Is Kingcup Cactus edible?
Yes
Is Kingcup Cactus toxic?
None
What is Kingcup Cactus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Kingcup Cactus pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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