Called “brain cactus”, the genus Stenocactus hails from Mexico. It’s distinguished by its wavy ribs. Also called Echinofossulocactus, this genus varies widely in size, spination, and number of ribs.

Today’s species, Stenocactus multicostatus (“many-ribbed”) enjoys wide distribution in Mexico: Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Léon, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas. True to its name, it seldom has fewer than 120 ribs. Notice the flat, stout central spines.

Stenocactus multicostatus

Within that natural variation, this individual shows flowers typical of stenocactus: short, funnel- or bell-shaped; white with purple-pink midstripe.

Stenocactus multicostatus flowers seen from above

See Also

Stenocactus multicostatus at Cactus-Art.Biz