(1702-13). Flower to 5½ inches (14 cm) across. Inner petals moderate in width, somewhat elongate, weakly ruffled, bicolored dusky purple and dark orange (the orange not showing in photos) with apical rhomboidal yellow-ochre area, midrib yellowish; outer petals and sepals largely yellow-ochre, contrasting to color of inners. Anthers handsomely puffy, filaments dark milky orange to orange-red, also contrasting to color of inner petals. Stigma exerted, white. Stem barrel-like, to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter; spines to 1⅛ inches (29 mm) in length.
Derivation of the name ‘Sasquatch’ for this hybrid is based upon a modern legend. Aiko was sitting in her Camry in the garage, ready to go shopping (again), this time to Trader Joe’s for my favorite snack—Trader Joe’s dark chocolate bar with almonds. Coming up to the car, I told her I was thinking of naming this hybrid ‘Mad Professor’ because of the flower’s somewhat shaggy condition when it opened at warm temperatures. I was very proud of that name, but Aiko shook her head no, indicating that ‘Mad Professor’ would not do. “Shaggy”, she repeated meditatively, then looked up and declared, “Sasquatch!” Not wanting to the endanger purchase of the chocolate bar, I quickly agreed. “So be it forever!” I avowed. And that, children, is how ‘Sasquatch’ got its name. HGB 85610. Rooted offsets $9.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002