Harrisia taetra

Harrisia taetra is a species of cactus found in Cuba.

Description
Harrisia taetra grows like a shrub and reaches heights of 1 to 2.5 meters. The somewhat articulated, cylindrical shoots have a diameter of 6.5 to 8 centimeters and are 0.3 to 1 meter long. There are eight to ten ribs. The stiff, needle-like, straight thorns, initially almost black, later turn whitish yellow. The two to three central spines are 4 to 9 centimeters long. The six to nine marginal spines are 0.7 to 4.4 centimeters long.

The flowers reach a length of 16.5 to 20 centimeters and a diameter of 12 to 15 centimeters. The light to golden yellow, broadly ovoid to somewhat spherical fruits are smooth and covered with a few tiny scales. They have a diameter of 3.8 to 7.2 centimeters and reach a length of 3.5 to 7.3 centimeters.

Distribution
Harrisia taetra is widespread in Cuba in the Pinar del Río province on the Guanahacabibes Peninsula.

Taxonomy
The first description was made in 1981 by L. Alberto E. Areces-Mallea. The specific epithet taetra means 'hideous, hideous, ugly, repulsive'.