Echinocereus is identified as a ribbed, usually small to medium-sized, cylindrical shaped cacti. The genus consists of 70 species native to the southern United States. Echinocereus is derived from the Greek word 'Echinos' meaning 'porcupine' or 'hedgehog', 'sea-urchin', referring to the spines which cover the plant. The Latin word 'cereus' meaning 'large wax candle'. In the wild, Echinocereus ranges from as far north as South Dakota, USA and south through most of Mexico. This genus is found in a wide range of habitats growing under Ponderosa forests to coastal plains.
