Hedgehog Cactus-Echinocereus

Hedgehog Cactus is a popular ornamental plant for desert gardens and xeriscapes, as it is drought-tolerant and requires little water or maintenance. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is also sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever and inflammation.

In addition to their ornamental and medicinal uses, some species of Hedgehog Cactus are also edible and are used in traditional cuisine in the southwestern United States and Mexico. The cactus fruit, which is often referred to as “cactus pear”, is rich in antioxidants and has a sweet, refreshing taste.