Echinopsis

Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes referred to as sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, E. chamaecereus, is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines.

Echinopsis is distinguished from Echinocactus by the length of the flower tube, from Cereus by the form and size of their stems, and from both in the position on the stem occupied by the flowers. They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear much larger and more attractive than would be expected.

Echinopsis species are to be found only in South America (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay). They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks.


Some species
Echinopsis lageniformis is a fast-growing columnar cactus from the high deserts of Bolivia. Among the indigenous populations of Bolivia, it is sometimes called achuma or wachuma, although these names are also applied to related species such as Echinopsis pachanoi which are also used for their psychedelic effects.
The plant is of light green colour and usually has 4 to 8 ribs. It can grow 2–5 m tall with stems of up to 15–20 cm in diameter. Spines are honey-coloured to brown and are located on the nodes in groups of up to 4. They can grow up to 6–7 cm in length and in fully grown plants are spaced evenly on the ribs, 2.5 to 3 cm apart.

Echinopsis oxygona is native to South Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina. Its features include: many robust spines, spherical shape, and a large, nocturnal flower, with sharply pointed lavender petals, and a fine faint scent.

Echinopsis pachanoi - The San Pedro cactus, is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains of Peru between 2000-3000 m in altitude. It is also found in Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador, and it is cultivated in other parts of the world. Uses for it include traditional medicine, traditional veterinary medicine and it is widely grown as an ornamental cactus. It has been used for healing and religious divination in the Andes Mountains region for over 3000 years. Uses: The fruit is eaten, and it has a mild flavor. Currently it is widely known and used to treat nervous conditions, joint problems, drug addictions, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, and it has unique antimicrobial properties.

Echinopsis peruviana - Peruvian Torch cactus is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the western slope of the Andes in Peru, between about 2000-3000 meters above sea level.

Echinopsis scopulicola is a type of cactus native to Bolivia, which contains psychedelic compounds. Many claim this species contains mescaline, but there has never been any official studies done, so any speculation about its properties are without solid scientific support.

Echinopsis spachiana is a species of cactus native to South America. Commonly cultivated as a pot- or rockery plant around the world, it has a lime green body with 1-2 cm long golden spines. It exhibits a columnar habit.

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Selected species
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