Grama grass cactus, Paper-spined fishhook cactus
| Botanical Name | Sclerocactus papyracanthus |
| Common Name | Grama grass cactus, Paper-spined fishhook cactus |
| Family | Cactaceae - Cactus |
| Description | This native perennial's spines are flexible, papery-thin, straw-colored or brown and are sometimes hooked. These spines which resemble blades of grass, are dense, mostly obscuring the stem. The branchless cylindrical stem shrinks during dry seasons leaving only the papery spines visible. It is called Grama grass cactus because its spines resemble dried Grama grass.
|
| Mature Size | Up to 3" tall. |
| Bloom | April-June. The flower is about 3/8" across, white with green or brown stripes and bell-shaped. It has a silky sheen. The green fruit is spherical, turning tan and splitting when mature. The seeds are black, shiny and covered with minute bumps. |
| Interesting Facts | This plant has been confirmed only in Arizona, Texas and New Mexico. On Arizona's list of protected plants. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses |
None found. |
|
Photo for SFBG by Carl Troy
|
