Strawberry cactus, Casa de Ratas

Scientific Name: Echinocereus brandegeei (Coult.) K.Schum.
Synonym: Cereus brandegei, Cereus mamilatus, Cereus sanborngianus, Echinocereus brandegei, Echinocereus mamillatus, Echinocereus sanborgianus
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 10-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28° F (-2° C)

Origin: Mexico (Baja California, islands in the Sea of Cortez), in low elevation hills, where it is common.

Growth Habits: Multi-stemmed cactus, stems up to 3 feet tall (1 m), 3 inches in diameter (7 cm), often prostrate with erect tips; 8 to 10 tuberculate ribs; yellow spines with reddish spots, turning grey as they age; 1 to 4 central spines, the longer sometimes flattened, up to 3.2 inches long (8 cm); 10 to 18 spreading needle-like radials, up to 0.8 inch long (2 cm)

Propagation: Branches freely from the base

Blooming Habits:
Large, pale pink flowers with dark red throats, up to 4 inches long (10 cm), 4 inches in diameter (10 cm). They are followed by red, globose, spiny fruits, 1.2 inches in diameter (3 cm).