# 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! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 22 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Kingcup Cactus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Echinocereus_triglochidiatus_17.jpg&width=800) Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Echinocereus_triglochidiatus_17.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Echinocereus ## 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 - **Spiny Armor:** Kingcup Cactus has sharp spines that deter hungry animals from taking a bite, keeping it safe in the desert. - **Water Keeper:** Its thick stems are perfectly designed to store precious water, helping it survive long, dry periods in harsh climates. - **Frost Fighter:** This cactus can withstand surprisingly cold temperatures, allowing it to thrive high on chilly mountain slopes. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-chinned-hummingbird) (*Archilochus alexandri*) — Sips nectar, carrying pollen to other flowers. - **Eaten by:** [White-throated Woodrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-throated-woodrat) (*Neotoma albigula*) — Feeds on the sweet, red fruits of the cactus. - **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Browses on the fruits, sometimes even the stems. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be careful around cacti! Their spines can be sharp. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Kingcup Cactus? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Barrio De Analco Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrio-de-analco-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Colorado National Monument Visitor Center Complex](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colorado-national-monument-visitor-center-complex) — Colorado, US · National Park - [Chaco Culture National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chaco-culture-national-historical-park) — New Mexico, US · National Park - [Bandelier CCC Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bandelier-ccc-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Camino del Monte Sol Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/camino-del-monte-sol-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Crow Canyon Archaeological District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/crow-canyon-archaeological-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District [View all places to see Kingcup Cactus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/kingcup-cactus) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Kingcup Cactus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/kingcup-cactus)