E.
horizonthalonis (spreading-spined); Fig. 37.--Stem globose, usually
flattened on the top, and divided into eight or nine large ribs or
ridges, grey-green in colour. Spines in crowded star-shaped clusters
along the apex of the ribs, seven spines in each cluster, all of them
strong, slightly curved, horn-like, and marked with numerous rings; they
are yellow, tipped with red when young, ash-coloured when old; the
longest are about 2 in. in length. Flowers terminal, springing from the
young spine tufts, each 4 in. across, with two rows of petals arranged
regularly in the form of a cup; colour deep rose, paler on the inside of
the cup; stamens very numerous, with white filaments and yellow anthers.
The flowers expand at sunrise and close again in the evening, each one
lasting about a week; they are very agreeably scented. Flowering season,
May and June. The plant is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in
1838. (Syns. E. equitans, E. horizontalis.)

[Illustration: FIG. 37.--ECHINOCACTUS HORIZONTHALONIS.]

E. Le Contei (Le Conte's); Fig. 38.--Another of the large-stemmed
kinds, which have only recently found their way into English gardens,
although long since discovered and described by American travellers. The
illustration represents a young plant. When full-grown, this species has
a stem 5 ft. high by 2 ft. wide, with broad deep channels and ridges,
wrinkled and covered with a thick network of stout spines, which are set
in clusters in a cushion of whitish wool, the longest being about 3 in.
in length, with curved or slightly hooked points, and distinctly
angular. The flowers are 2 in. long, bell-shaped; the petals shining
lemon-yellow, with a tinge of brown on the outside, whilst the sepals
are like a number of fish-scales, overlapping each other down the
outside of the campanulate tube. The stamens and pistil are almost
hidden inside the flower. Flowers are borne by quite young plants,
whilst upon full-grown specimens they are so numerous as to form a large
yellow cap to the immense, prickly, conical stems. They are developed in
August and September. A native of Mexico, where it is found wild on the
rocky or gravelly plains and ravines, and often in crevices of
perpendicular rocks. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, and plenty
of water during the summer, care being taken that the soil it is planted
in is perfectly drained.

[Illustration: FIG. 38.--ECHINOCACTUS LE CONTEI.]

E. Leeanus (Lee's); Bot. Mag. 4184.