Flower to nearly 5¼ inches (13 cm) across. Inner petals obovate with attenuate apex, slightly revolute, lacerate, russet-orange. Outer petals more slender and more strongly revolute, with pinkish-purple midstripe. Sepals purplish-pink. Filaments mostly russet-orange; outer stamens curved inward. Stem semicolumnar, to about 3¼ inches (8 cm) in diameter; spines to ½ inch (18 mm) in length. ISI 2002-48; HBG 87024, Schick 1664-23. (1664-23). Flower to nearly 5¼ inches (13 cm) across. Inner petals moderate in width, slightly revolute, lacerate, russet-orange; outer petals more slender and more strongly revolute, with pinkish-purple midstripe; sepals purplish-pink. Outer stamens curved inward, filaments of all stamens mostly russet-orange. Stem semicolumnar, to about 3¼ inches (8 cm) in diameter; spines to ½ inch (18 mm) in length.
For some reason, the flower of this hybrid reminded me of the estado Oaxaca in Mexico, which I had been reading about. Perhaps it was the picture of the expanse of the state’s hot and arid isthmus that had formed in my mind, or the diverse Indian cultures, or the Spanish motif in parts of the capital city. Mainly, though, I thought Oaxaca was just a pretty name. HBG 87024. Rooted offsets $9.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 74 (2), March - April, 2002