Stenocactus which, are also known as Echinofossulocactus, are a very interesting but difficult genus to classify. This difficulty lies with their extraordinary variability in all their characteristics. As a result of this, there is much contention regarding the number of species. The number of species has been quoted as high as thirty but Stenocactus is classified by CITES into just 8 accepted species and 2 provisionally accepted species.

The genus Echinofossulocactus was established in 1841 by G. Lawrence. The plants were named from the Greek echinos (porcupine) and Latin fossula (little ditch), referring to the narrow channel that sometimes extends above the spiny part of the areole. Schumann classified some of its species as a subgenus of Echinocactus known as Stenocactus. Berger then made Stenocactus a genus and that brings us to today with contention still rife over the naming of the genus.

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Stenocactus crispatus
[Photo by John Ellis, BCSS - Teesside Branch, UK]

Recognised Stenocactus species at the moment are:		With the provisional species being:
	coptonogonus		hastatus
	crispatus		rectispinus
	multicostatus
	obvallatus
	ochoterenanus
	phyllacanthus
	sulphurous
	vaupelianus

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Stenocactus are native to northern and central Mexico where they are found in either rocky fissures or on grassy slopes and plains where after the summer rains, they are covered by grass, making then almost invisible. They are mostly small and globose to elongated in shape. Only a few species produce offsets so the main method of propagation is through seed. The most distinctive feature is their thin waxy wavy ribs which number between 30-100 per plant. These ribs are characteristic of nearly all Stenocactus.

Stenocactus have small areoles which are either set very close together or can be placed as far as 4cm apart. Protruding from the areoles are from 4 to 20 radial spines with 1-4 centrals. The central spines are frequently flattened dagger-like, very long, straight or up-curved but are never hooked.

Stenocactus have typically inconspicuous funnel shaped flowers about 2.5cm to 3.5 cm in diameter which, flower from July to October. These range in colour from almost white or cream to magenta and purple with petals which invariably have a darker median strip. The bigger the plant, the more flowers. These blooms usually last about 3-4 days.

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Stenocactus are easily grown from seed given the right conditions and I would encourage any beginner interested in growing from seeds to give them a try. The conditions we found best were raising the seeds in equal mixture of peat-moss, washed deco and perlite, inside a plastic bag. Stenocactus are not always self-fertile so if you plan on collecting the seeds yourself be aware that you may need more than one plant of the species you want.

With regards to the growing conditions: any free-draining loose soil mix will suit them. Water and fertilise as with the majority of your cacti collection. At the moment, we are using the premium commercial potting mix from Gardenway. This, coupled with full sun, and they are quite happy. Stenocactus are no more susceptible to any disease or pests than any other cacti.

Stenocactus are a genus you will find in new and old collections. Their characteristic wavy ribs and perfect symmetry of body form apparent even in young specimens attract new growers and their hardiness is responsible for their presence in older collections.

Although by no means rare, they can be hard to get hold of at times but if your collection is sadly wanting for ownership of a Stenocactus then they are well worth the search.

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