30 Types Of Escobaria Pictorial Guide

Escobaria is a genus of cacti that includes around 20 species, most of which are native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. These cacti are known for their small, globular shape and their stunning blooms, which range in color from bright pink to yellow and red.

One of the most popular species of Escobaria is Escobaria vivipara, which is also commonly known as the spiny star. This cactus is found throughout the western United States and Canada, and it is known for its ability to reproduce both sexually and asexually. The spiny star is a slow-growing cactus that can take up to 10 years to reach maturity, and it typically grows to a height of around 6 inches.

Another popular species of Escobaria is Escobaria sneedii, which is also known as the Sneed’s pincushion cactus. This cactus is found in the Chihuahuan Desert of the southwestern United States and Mexico, and it is known for its striking pink or magenta flowers that bloom in the spring.

In addition to their stunning blooms, Escobaria cacti are also known for their unique spines. Unlike most cacti, which have large, sharp spines, Escobaria cacti have small, delicate spines that form a dense covering over the surface of the plant. These spines not only provide protection from predators but also help to reflect sunlight, which can help to keep the plant cool in hot desert environments.

Escobaria cacti are relatively easy to care for, and they can make excellent additions to both indoor and outdoor gardens. They prefer well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, as they are adapted to survive in arid desert environments. When grown indoors, Escobaria cacti should be placed in a bright, sunny location and watered only when the soil is completely dry.

Despite their beauty and unique characteristics, many species of Escobaria are threatened by habitat loss and over-collection. In recent years, efforts have been made to protect and conserve these cacti, and many organizations are working to raise awareness of the importance of preserving these plants and their habitats.

In conclusion, Escobaria is a genus of cacti that includes a variety of stunning and unique plants. From the spinystar to the Sneed’s pincushion cactus, these plants are known for their small size, beautiful blooms, and delicate spines. Although they are relatively easy to care for, these cacti are threatened by habitat loss and over-collection, making it important to take steps to protect and conserve these unique and valuable plants.

Here are 30 Types Of Escobaria Pictorial Guide:

Escobaria Abdita

Escobaria Abdita is a small cactus species native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Texas and Mexico. It typically grows as a solitary stem with rounded, flattened, green or bluish-green stems and produces clusters of small, pink or purple flowers in the spring. Due to its limited distribution and habitat loss, it is considered a vulnerable species in the wild.

Escobaria Alversonii

Escobaria Alversonii is a small cactus species belonging to the family Cactaceae. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This cactus has a globular or cylindrical stem that grows up to 10 cm in height and 6 cm in diameter. It has 9 to 13 radial spines and 1 to 4 central spines, which can be yellow or red in color. In the spring, it produces beautiful pink or purple flowers that are up to 2.5 cm wide. Escobaria Alversonii is a popular plant among cactus enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and relative ease of cultivation.

Escobaria Dasyacantha

Escobaria Dasyacantha is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a small, slow-growing cactus that typically forms clusters of cylindrical stems with dense spines. The stems can reach up to 10 cm in height and 3 cm in diameter. In the spring, it produces small pink or lavender flowers at the top of the stems. It is a popular species among cactus enthusiasts due to its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.

Escobaria Chihuahuensis

Escobaria Chihuahuensis is a species of cactus that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in North America, particularly in the states of Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico. They are also found in these states: Texas and New Mexico in the United States. It typically grows in rocky or gravelly soils and can form clusters of cylindrical stems up to 30 cm tall, with spines that range in color from yellow to red or brown.

The plant also produces small pink or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer. Escobaria Chihuahuensis is often cultivated as an ornamental plant but is also threatened by habitat destruction and illegal collection.

Escobaria Duncanii

Escobaria Duncanii is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States, particularly in Arizona and New Mexico. It is a small, globular cactus that grows to a maximum height of about 8 centimeters and a diameter of 10 centimeters. It is notable for its pink or white flowers, which bloom in the summer months. The plant is adapted to hot and arid conditions and is often found growing in rocky or gravelly soils in desert regions. The species is named after American botanist, Thomas H. Duncan, who collected the type specimen in 1919.

Escobaria Emskoetteriana

Escobaria Emskoetteriana is a species of cactus native to Mexico, specifically found in the state of San Luis Potosi. It is a small, slow-growing cactus that typically forms clusters of spherical stems with dense spines. The cactus blooms in the spring or early summer with small pink flowers. The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and overcollection for the horticultural trade.

Escobaria Orcuttii Boed.

Escobaria Orcuttii Boed. is a species of cactus with its origins in the south-western part of the United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows in clusters of small, cylindrical stems and produces showy pink to purple flowers in the spring and early summer. Like most cacti, it is well adapted to arid environments and can survive long periods without water. Escobaria Orcuttii Boed. is named after the botanist Charles Russell Orcutt, who collected the first specimens of the plant in the late 19th century.

Escobaria Sneedii Britton & Rose

Escobaria Sneedii, also known as Sneed’s pincushion cactus, is a small, slow-growing cactus species native to the Chihuahuan Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows in rocky or gravelly soils and can reach up to 15 cm in height. The cactus is characterized by its clustering growth habit and cylindrical stems, which are covered in numerous spines and small, white or pink flowers that bloom in spring or early summer. Due to habitat loss and overcollection, Escobaria Sneedii is considered threatened in some areas.

Escobaria Leei

Escobaria Leei is a small cactus species native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. It has a compact and spherical shape, with clusters of spines that range from white to pink. During spring, it produces small pink flowers that grow from the base of the plant. This species is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique appearance and relative rarity in cultivation. It is also known as Lee’s Pincushion Cactus.

Escobaria Lloydii

Escobaria Lloydii is a species of cactus that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows in dry, rocky habitats and has distinctive spines and small pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. Escobaria Lloydii is an endangered species due to habitat loss and overcollection for the horticultural trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore its populations in the wild.

Escobaria Missouriensis

Escobaria Missouriensis, also known as Missouri foxtail cactus, is a small, slow-growing cactus species native to the Great Plains of the United States. It typically grows up to 3-6 inches tall and 3-4 inches wide, forming clusters of cylindrical stems with prominent white or yellow spines. During the summer, it produces small, vibrant pink or purple flowers that bloom at the top of the stems. This cactus is hardy and adaptable, able to survive in a range of soil types and climates, but is threatened by habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization.

Escobaria Organensis

Escobaria Organensis is a small cactus species that is native to the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. It typically grows up to 6 cm tall and 5 cm wide, forming clusters of cylindrical stems covered in white or yellow spines. During the summer, it produces small pink or purple flowers that bloom at the top of the stems. Escobaria Organensis is a popular species among cactus enthusiasts for its unique appearance and easy care requirements. However, it is also considered endangered in the wild due to habitat destruction and collection for the horticultural trade.

Escobaria Orcuttii

Escobaria Orcuttii is a species of small cactus that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows to be no more than six inches tall and has cylindrical stems covered in small spines. The cactus produces bright pink flowers in the spring and summer that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Escobaria Orcuttii is a popular plant among cactus enthusiasts and is often grown in rock gardens or as a potted plant. However, it is also threatened in the wild by habitat loss and overcollection.

Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxb.

Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxb. is a species of cactus native to North America. It is a small, low-growing cactus that forms clumps or mats on the ground, with individual stems reaching up to 10 cm in height. The cactus produces vibrant pink or purple flowers in the spring or early summer and sometimes produces small “baby” cacti, known as offsets or viviparous shoots, from the areoles on its stems. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, making it popular among cactus enthusiasts.

Escobaria Tuberculosa

Escobaria Tuberculosa, also known as the Pingüe nipple cactus, is a small cactus species that is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It typically grows to be about 2-4 inches tall and 2-3 inches in diameter, with spherical or cylindrical stems covered in small, white tubercles. The plant produces beautiful pink, purple, or red flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. This species is popular among cactus collectors due to its unique appearance and easy-to-care-for nature.

Escobaria Vasquezii

Escobaria Vasquezii is a small cactus species native to Texas in the United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows up to 5 cm tall and 10 cm wide, with cylindrical stems covered in small, white spines. During the spring and early summer, it produces pink to magenta flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter. This cactus is threatened in its natural habitat due to habitat loss and over-collection and is listed as an endangered species.

Escobaria Vivipara

Escobaria Vivipara is a species of cactus native to North America, found in rocky areas and dry grasslands. It is a small, low-growing cactus that typically reaches up to 10 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter. Its green or bluish-green stem has small, whitish spines that help protect it from herbivores. It produces small pink or purple flowers in late spring or early summer, which are followed by bright red fruits.

One of the interesting characteristics of this cactus is its ability to reproduce by producing new plants at the base of its stem, which can then detach and grow into new individuals. It is commonly used in landscaping and rock gardens and is also sometimes grown as a houseplant.

Escobaria Chaffeyi

Escobaria Chaffeyi is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows in small clusters of round or cylindrical stems, which can reach up to 6 inches in height. The stems are covered in small spines and produce bright pink to purple flowers in the spring and summer. E. chaffeyi is often found in dry, rocky habitats and is prized by collectors for its unique appearance and hardiness.

Escobaria Deserti

Escobaria Deserti is a small cactus species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a round or cylindrical shape and typically grows to a height of 2–6 inches. The cactus produces bright pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring or early summer, followed by small, red fruit. This species is well adapted to living in arid environments and is often found growing in rocky, sandy soil.

Escobaria Hesteri

Escobaria Hesteri is a species of cactus that belongs to the family Cactaceae. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Texas, USA, and adjacent parts of Mexico. This cactus is small in size, usually growing up to 5–10 cm tall and 3–6 cm wide. It has a flattened or spherical stem with prominent tubercles that bear spines and small flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Escobaria hesteri is highly valued by cactus enthusiasts for its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation. However, it is also threatened in the wild due to habitat loss and overcollection for the horticultural trade.

Escobaria Sneedii Britton & Rose

Escobaria Sneedii, also known as Sneed’s pincushion cactus, is a species of small, slow-growing cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically forms small clumps and produces numerous small, cylindrical stems that are covered in dense clusters of spines. The cactus produces small, pink to magenta-colored flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, red or purple fruits.

Escobaria Sneedii is a popular species in cultivation and is often used in rock gardens and xeriscapes. It is also listed as a species of special concern in some areas due to habitat loss and over-collection.

Escobaria Minima

Escobaria Minima is a species of cactus that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a small, low-growing cactus with cylindrical stems that can reach up to 7 cm in height and 2 cm in diameter. The stems are covered in small, closely spaced, conical tubercles that bear spines that range in color from yellow to reddish-brown.

The flowers of Escobaria Minima are small and usually pink or lavender in color, and they bloom in the spring and early summer. This cactus is adapted to hot, dry climates and can tolerate temperatures as low as -12°C. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in cactus gardens and rockeries.

Escobaria Robbinsorum

Escobaria Robbinsorum is a small, slow-growing cactus species native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. It typically grows in clusters, forming mounds up to 30 cm in diameter and reaching up to 7.5 cm in height. The cactus has a spherical to cylindrical shape, with numerous small, sharp spines arranged in a radial pattern.

It produces attractive pink to reddish-purple flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Escobaria Robbinsorum is considered a threatened species in the wild due to habitat loss, overcollection, and trampling by cattle. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in rock gardens, cactus gardens, and containers.

Escobaria Sandbergii

Escobaria Sandbergii is a small, slow-growing cactus species that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows in rocky, arid habitats and produces clusters of spiny stems that are cylindrical in shape and range in color from green to bluish-green. In late spring to early summer, it blooms with showy pink to purple flowers that are roughly two inches in diameter. This cactus is popular among collectors for its attractive appearance and relative ease of cultivation.

Escobaria Sneedii Var. Sneedii

Escobaria Sneedii var. Sneedii, also known as Sneed’s pincushion cactus, is a small, slow-growing cactus species that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a rounded or cylindrical stem with numerous clusters of small, spiny, green to gray-green stems that can reach up to 5 cm in diameter and height. In late spring to early summer, it produces showy pink or purple flowers that are about 2.5 cm in diameter. This species is popular among cactus collectors and is often grown in rock gardens or as a potted plant.

Escobaria Zilziana

Escobaria Zilziana is a small cactus species that is native to Texas, in the United States. It typically grows in rocky soils and can reach a height of up to 10 cm. The cactus has cylindrical stems that are covered in small spines and produces pink to lavender-colored flowers in the spring and summer. Escobaria Zilziana is classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss and overcollection and is therefore protected under state and federal law.

Escobaria Missouriensis (Sweet) D.R.Hunt

Escobaria Missouriensis (Sweet) D.R.Hunt is a species of cactus native to the central and western regions of the United States. It is a small, slow-growing plant that typically grows to a height of 5–15 cm and a width of 10–30 cm. The plant has cylindrical stems that are usually solitary but can form small clumps.

It produces showy pink to magenta flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. Escobaria Missouriensis is a popular species among cactus enthusiasts and is commonly grown in rock gardens, container gardens, and xeriscapes. The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and overcollection.

Escobaria Emskoetteriana (Quehl) Borg

Escobaria Emskoetteriana (Quehl) Borg is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It typically grows as a small, low-growing clump with cylindrical or slightly flattened stems that can reach up to 10 cm in length. The stems have 11–16 ribs with closely spaced areoles that bear small, white spines. The flowers are usually pink to purple and appear in the spring or summer, followed by small, red fruits. This cactus is often cultivated as an ornamental plant, but like many cacti, it is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection in the wild.

Escobaria Duncanii (Hester) Buxb.

Escobaria Duncanii (Hester) Buxb. is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States, particularly in the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It has small, cylindrical stems that can grow up to 5 cm in height and 2.5 cm in diameter. The stems are covered in clusters of small, white spines and produce pink to purple flowers that bloom in the spring and early summer.

This species is typically found in rocky or gravelly soils in arid regions and is often used as an ornamental plant in rock gardens and xeriscapes. It is also known for its medicinal properties, as various parts of the plant have been used in traditional Native American medicine for the treatment of various ailments.

Escobaria Cubensis (Britton & Rose) D.R.Hunt

Escobaria Cubensis is a species of cactus native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It is a small, slow-growing cactus that typically grows to about 5–10 cm tall and 5-8 cm in diameter. The stems are usually solitary, cylindrical, and covered with small, sharp spines. It produces small, yellow or pinkish flowers that bloom in the summer. This species is highly valued by cactus collectors for its unique appearance and rarity, and it is listed as an endangered species due to habitat destruction and over-collection.

How To Grow And Care For Escobaria

Escobaria is a genus of cacti that includes about 20 species of small, globular plants native to North America. Here are some general guidelines for growing and caring for Escobaria:

Light: Escobaria prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a sunny window that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Soil: Use a well-draining cactus mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss. Escobaria prefers soil that is slightly acidic.

Water: Water your escabaria sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. During the summer growing season, you may need to water once a week. Reduce the watering frequency to once every 2-3 weeks in the winter season.

Temperature: Escobaria prefers warm temperatures between 70 and 80°F (21-27°C). They can tolerate temperatures down to 50°F (10 °C), but should be protected from frost.

Fertilizer: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) at half strength once a month.

Repotting: Repot your Escobaria once every 2–3 years in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix.

Pruning: Escobaria doesn’t require pruning, but removing any dead or damaged growth can help keep the plant healthy.

Pests and diseases: Escobaria can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. Check your plants regularly for signs of infestation and treat with a suitable insecticide or by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for your plant.

With proper care, your Escobaria should thrive and produce beautiful flowers during the growing season.

How To Propagate Escobaria

Escobaria is a genus of cacti that is native to North and Central America. Propagating Escobaria can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, offsets or division, and stem cuttings.

Here are some steps to propagate Escobaria through each method:

Seed Propagation

• Collect ripe seeds from a mature Escobaria plant.
• Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, covering them with a thin layer of soil.
• Keep the soil moist but not overly wet, and place the container in a warm, bright location.
• Germination usually takes a few weeks to several months, depending on the species.

Offsets Or Division

• Wait until your Escobaria plant produces offsets, which are smaller, separate plants growing from the base of the main plant.
• Gently separate the offsets from the main plant, making sure to keep some roots attached.
• Plant the offsets in their own containers with a well-draining soil mix.
• Water the newly planted offsets and keep them in a bright, warm location, avoiding direct sunlight for the first few weeks.

Stem Cuttings

• Cut a healthy stem from the main Escobaria plant, making sure it is at least several inches long.
• Let the cut stem dry for a few days to a week, until a callus forms over the cut end.
• Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining soil mix, burying it about an inch deep.
• Water the cutting and keep it in a bright, warm location, avoiding direct sunlight for the first few weeks.

Regardless of the propagation method you choose, it’s important to monitor the moisture levels and avoid overwatering your newly propagated Escobaria plants. Once they are established, they should be able to handle drier conditions, but it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Escobaria

Q: What is Escobaria?

A: Escobaria is a genus of cactus that is native to North and Central America. There are around 21 species of Escobaria, and they are characterized by their small size—usually less than 10 cm tall—and their spiny, globular stems.

Q: How do you care for Escobaria cactus?

A: Escobaria cacti prefer well-draining soil and a bright, sunny location. They can tolerate high temperatures, but they should be protected from frost. Make sure the soil dries out between waterings, and only water appropriately. Cut the watering frequency to once a month in the winter season.

Q: How do you propagate Escobaria?

A: Escobaria cacti can be propagated through seeds or by division. To propagate by division, carefully remove a stem segment from the parent plant, allow it to calluses over for a few days, and then plant it in a well-draining soil mix. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until they germinate.

Q: Are Escobaria cactus safe for pets?

A: Escobaria cacti are generally safe for pets, although the spines can cause injury if ingested or touched. It is best to keep cacti out of the reach of pets to avoid any potential accidents.

Q: Are Escobaria cactus endangered?

A: Some species of Escobaria are considered endangered, such as Escobaria minima and Escobaria organensis. These species are threatened by habitat loss due to urbanization, agriculture, and mining, as well as by overcollection for the horticultural trade. It is important to protect and conserve these species to ensure their survival in the wild.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Escobaria

1. Escobaria is a genus of cacti native to North America and is named after American botanist Asa Gray’s assistant, Alonso Escobar.
2. There are approximately 25 species of Escobaria, with the majority found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
3. The Escobaria cactus typically grows low to the ground, with some species rarely exceeding 15 centimeters in height.
4. Despite their small size, Escobaria cacti are known for their vibrant flowers, which can be pink, red, yellow, or white depending on the species.
5. Escobaria is often cultivated by cactus enthusiasts and can be found in many botanical gardens around the world.
6. Some species of Escobaria are known to be used for medicinal purposes, such as treating cuts, bruises, and stomach issues.
7. Escobaria cacti are adapted to thrive in dry and hot conditions and have developed specialized structures to conserve water.
8. The flowers of Escobaria cacti are pollinated by insects, such as bees and butterflies, which are attracted to their bright colors and sweet nectar.
9. Some species of Escobaria cacti have developed spines that are covered in tiny hooks, which allow them to attach to the fur of animals and be dispersed to new locations.
10. The survival of some species of Escobaria cacti is threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and illegal collecting for the horticultural trade.