Echinocereus occidentalis

Echinocereus occidentalis is a species of cactus native to Mexico.

Description
Echinocereus occidentalis stems form clumps, are cylindrical and erect, light green, and measure up to 60 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height. The stems have 12-19 ribs. The spines are whitish-yellow with dark tips. There are 9-13 radial spines, each 15 - 20 mm long, and 1-5 central spines, each 40 - 55 mm long. The flowers are magenta with a light center, measuring 50 - 70 mm in both length and width. The fruits are round, pinkish-red, 30 mm in diameter, with white to pink pulp and black seeds.

Subspecies
There are two recognized subspecies:

Distribution
Plants are found growing in south-western Coahuila, central to eastern Durango, and northern Zacatecas at elevations of 800 - 1800 m. Plants grow in limestone soil in desert shrub.