ECHINOCEREOUS PECTINATUS

      This and the other closely related species are perhaps the most beautiful of the genus. They have a dense covering of short comb-like spines that that completely obscure the plant body. At different times of the year, these spines change colour, creating bands of colourful spines. This has given rise to the common name of rainbow cactus.

       In general, the Echinocereus with its dense pectinate spines is much slower growing than other species.