Echinopsis
Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cactus, sea-urchin cactus or Easter lily cactus. One small species, "E. chamaecereus", is known as the peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from "echinos" hedgehog or sea urchin, and "opsis" appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines. They are remarkable for the great size, length of tube, and beauty of their flowers, which, borne upon generally small and dumpy stems, appear much larger and more attractive than would  be expected. Taxonomy. Studies in the 1970s and 1980s resulted in several formerly separate genera being absorbed into "Echinopsis": Some have proposed merging "Rebutia" as well. Like several other taxonomic changes in Cactaceae, this one has not been universally accepted. Amateur and professional growers still use names like "Echinopsis" (in the older sense), "Lobivia", "Setiechinopsis" and "Trichocereus", although many of the others listed above fell out of common usage long before the change. Changing the genus name necessitated using some different specific epithets to avoid creating duplicate names. Thus both "Echinopsis bridgesii" and "Trichocereus bridgesii" previously existed. These are very  different plants: "Echinopsis bridgesii" is a short clumping cactus, whereas "Trichocereus bridgesii" is a tall columnar cactus similar to "E." (or "T.") "pachanoi". Under the new classification, "Trichocereus bridgesii" becomes "Echinopsis lageniformis". The genus name "Trichocereus" was given to a number of columnar cacti in 1909 by Vincenzo Riccobono, before the genus was subsumed—along with "Lobivia"—into "Echinopsis" in 1974 by Friedrich. A 2012 genetic and morphological study by Albesiano found "Trichocereus" to be monophyletic if it included three species of "Harrisia". A 2012 genetic analysis of chloroplast DNA indicates "Echinopsis" is made up of several divergent lineages. "E. spachiana  was not included in the study but is thought to be related to a Helianthocereus" clade. Many hybrids exist, mostly between similar species but also between more distinct ones, such as the cross between "E. pachanoi" and "E. eyriesii" which was sold under the name "Trichopsis pachaniesii" by Sacred Succulents. Distribution. "Echinopsis" species are native to South America (Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Uruguay). They grow only in situations where the soil is sandy or gravelly, or on the sides of hills in the crevices of rocks. Cultivation. The growing and resting seasons for "Echinopsis" are the  same as for "Echinocactus". Research by J. Smith (former Curator at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) showed that species like the Chilean "Echinopsis cristata" and its Mexican relatives thrive if potted in light loam, with a little leaf mould and a few nodules of limestone. The limestone keeps the soil open; it is important that the soil should be well drained. In winter, water must be given very sparingly, and the atmosphere should be dry; the temperature need not exceed during the night, and in very cold weather it may be allowed to fall to , provided a higher temperature of  is maintained during the day. In spring, the plants should receive the full influence of the increasing warmth of the sun; and during hot weather, they will be benefited by frequent spraying overhead, which should be done in the evening. The soil should never be saturated, as the soft fibrous roots will rot if kept wet for any length of time. None of the species need to be grafted to grow freely and remain healthy, as the stems are all robust enough and of sufficient size to take care of themselves. The only danger is in keeping the plants too  moist in winter, for although a little water now and again keeps the stems fresh and green, it deprives them of that rest which is essential to the development of their large, beautiful flowers in summer.