Claret Cup Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Canaan Mountain Wilderness, Utah
 Hummingbirds​ are the primary pollinators; they stick their heads far into the flower to reach the nectar chambers at the base of the flower.  As a result their heads get dusted with pollen.  Claret cup cactus flowers stay open at night, unlike other cacti species whose flowers close at night.  The spines provide a small amount of shade, thereby reducing temperature and minimizing moisture loss.

Back to desert plants main page