Cactus con fusto solitaro e lunghe spine appuntitite, le piante in coltivazione sono piuttosto variabili.

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Scientific name: Echinofossulocactus hastatus (Hopffer ex K. Schumann) Britton et Rose 1922 (status doubtful)

Origin:  Mexico, Hidalgo (North of Puchuca)

Tribe:  Cacteae  Subtribe: Echinocactinae

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Synonyms:  

• Echinofossulocactus lamellosus
• Echinofossulocactus lamellosus var. hastatus
• Echinocactus hastatus Hopffer ex K. Schumann
  In: Gesa ntb. Kakteen 376, 1898
• Stenocactus hastatus (Hopffer ex K. Schumann) A. Berger 1929
• Efossus hastatus,
• Brittonrosea hastata

Echinofossulocactus (lamellosus) hastatus

Description: Solitary cactus with long sharp spines. The plants in cultivation are quite variable.
Stem: Flattened depressed-globose to short cylindrical, light green, 10-12 cm in diameter and tall.
Ribs: Up to 35, wavy with a triangular section, somewhat crenate;
Areoles: With white felt;
Central spines: 1 per areole, solitary, white or pale  with brown tips, 4 to 8 cm long, more or less flattened, porrect, rigid and very sharp.
Radial spines: 5 or 6 short yellowish spines, the upper ones longer, up to 3 cm long.
Flowers: Large white  or pink (the largest of the genus).
Fruit: becoming dry.
Seeds: Obovate, 1,5 mm long, brownish-grey, shining, finely punctate.

Cultivation:  Small growing and easy to to care in normal and very drained  cactus compost and very willing to flower, Because of it’s small size makes a great potted plant specimen, great for beginning collectors, water sparingly and allow to dry between watering, needs good drainage. Watering should be curtailed during the winter months. Full sun but is tolerant and prefers light shade during the hot Summer months. And provide very good ventilation. Frost Tolerance: Hardy to - 5°C if kept dry.