Lace Hedghog Cactus-Tiny Little Barrels of Stickers

Lace Hedgehog cactus, also known scientifically as Echinocereus reichenbachii, grow in the sandy dry limestone soils in southern, central and northwestern parts of Texas. The body of the plant is defined by its 10 to 19 vertical ribs upon which the areolae or spine clusters reside. Each areola can have 12-36 stiff spines arranged radially. Normally there are no spines, called central spines, projecting out from the surface of the areolae. Occasionally, there may be individuals who show 1 or 2 central spines on their areolae. The color of the spines, central or radial, can range from white to brown with the tips being pink, dark brown, or reddish.
The flowers of this species are dark reddish pink. The woolly nodules seen at the top of the cactus in this picture will produce flowers and become the fruit.