Harrisia eriophora

Harrisia eriophora is a species of cactus found in Cuba.

Description
Harrisia eriophora grows shrubby and often forms dense groups with upright, arching or spreading shoots with heights of 3 to 5 meters. The initially bright green shoots later become dark green. They have diameters of up to 4 centimeters and more. There are eight to twelve prominent ribs, which are deeply indented between them. The six to 13 needle-like, light brown, gray or yellow spines have a darker tip and are 2 to 4 centimeters long.

The flowers reach a length of 12 to 18 centimeters. Its flower tube is covered with a few scales and long, white hairs. The obovate to spherical, yellow to dull red fruits are edible. They have a diameter of up to 6 centimeters

Distribution
Harrisia eriophora is widespread in the United States in the state of Florida and in Cuba.

Taxonomy
The first description as Cereus eriophorus was made in 1837 by Ludwig Georg Karl Pfeiffer. The specific epithet eriophora means 'wool-bearing'. Nathaniel Lord Britton placed the species in the genus Harrisia in 1909.