Sclerocactus whipplei var. roseus Some sources identify this species as Sclerocactus parviflorus.
Perennial herbaceous or woody succulents; 2” to 1.2' (5 to 35 cm) tall or more Leaves: spines are modified leaves; has fleshy pads; spines can be hooked; 8 to 15 ribs Flowers: showy; usually light purple or pinkish; petaloid sepals; stamens numerous; 1 style; generally bisexual; 1.2” to 2” (3 to 5 cm) long Pollinators: other genera in this family are pollinated by insects Fruits: large dry or fleshy many-seeded berry Blooms in Arches National Park: April, May, June Habitat in Arches National Park: desert shrub and pinyon-juniper communities Location seen: upper Courthouse wash, park road mile 4 to 8 (Great Wall) Other: The genus name, “Sclerocactus”, is from the Greek “scleros” which means “hard” and “kaktos” which means “thistle” referring to the hard, sharp spines. The species name, “whipplei”, honors Amiel Wicks Whipple (1818-1863), an engineer for surveys of the United States/Mexico boundary in 1853-1856. The variety name, “roseus”, means “rosy”. The root systems are shallow unless deep water. The stomates (pores) are open during the night, allowing entry of carbon dioxide, which is chemically stored; during the day the carbon dioxide is used in photosynthesis. |
Last updated: February 4, 2023