(1677-18). Flower somewhat simple-appearing, to nearly 5 inches (12.5 cm) across, but usually less. Inner petals generally acuminate, rather flattish, margins entire, usually reddish-orange or orangish-red with light orange to reddish-orange basal stripe. Outer stamens in handsomely wide circle; filaments of all stamens appearing light orange to light reddish-orange, those of inner stamens deep in throat dark reddish. Throat-circle delicate green. Stigma and style dark green. Throat green. Stem semicolumnar, to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter; spination attractive, centrals black and curved, to 1⅜ inches (35 mm) in length.
The name of this hybrid describes the emotional translocation of an acanthophile (lover of spines) as he stares rapturously at his plant, its stem bedecked with impressive fanglike spines. The rapture is so great that he miraculously finds himself transported to spine heaven—Fangri-la, in Tibet! But remember, acanthophiles: With snow-capped Himalayan peaks towering around you, you might be tempted to wear a heavy coat and long-johns. They won’t be necessary, though. The weather is just fine in Fangri-la! HBG 87018. Rooted offsets $9.50.
[Editor’s note to our foreign readers: ‘Fangri-la’ is a play on the word, Shangri-la, from James Hilton’s novel, Lost Horizon. Shangri-la, in the novel, is a secret valley of paradise in a valley in Tibet, a warm and fertile place of peace, beauty, love and harmony where people age very slowly… If only!]
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002