The cactus has an erect oval or cylindrical stem, sometimes forming a clump of several spreading stem branches. The stem may reach 7.5 to 30 centimeters in maximum height. There are up to 16 spines per areole, generally in shades of brown and white, or white with a brown stripe. The showy flower is most any shade of pink, from nearly white to deep maroon. It can be 11 centimeters long and wide, each tepal measuring up to 7 centimeters long. The fruit is red and a few centimeters long. The flesh of the plant is edible, and Native American groups consumed the stems and fruits.

Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
Location: On Bear Canyon dirt trail 0.25 mile from Visitor Center.
4/5/15

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