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Walker, Colin
(2022).
Abstract
Eulychnia is a genus of Cactaceae with eight currently recognised species. Of these, seven, including E. acida, are endemic to Chile and one, E. ritteri, is endemic to Peru. The name 'Eulychnia' means 'true torch' or 'candlestick' for the columnar stems, whilst 'acida' refers to the sour-tasting fruit. These species are characterised by having small campanulate (bell-shaped) flowers and fierce spination which for E. acida means spines up to 20 cm long.