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Notes for the Genus:
Corryocactus
Etymology -The genus was named after a Peruvian engineer, T. A. Corry, who aided early-day plant explorers with their expeditions.
This genus consists of a group of plants with long ribbed stems which average around 2 inches in diameter or smaller. Corryocactus feature an even distribution of spines that are moderate in length. The stems generally form shrubby clumps of up to 16 feet high although frequently only half that. Flowers vary between red and yellow with most being a brilliant shade of orange. The flowers are funnel shaped and are typically 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Fruits are globular and spiny as well as edible and tasty.
Corryocactus occur in the western South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Chile. This group of plants has been poorly studied and the exact status of the dozen plus species is still tenable pending further field work. These plants are not at all common in cultivation despite their attractiveness. This is most likely a result of their sprawling growth which is not very "greenhouse friendly" so-to-speak.
