{"title":"Echinocactus","description":"\u003cp\u003eNative to the Southwest US (west Texas through eastern Arizona) and Mexico, echinocactus is usually found as a solitary specimen on flat grassy prairies or scrubland where it nestles into the soil with its upward-facing, dangerously sharp spines awaiting unsuspecting grazing animals or nature-loving botanists. Not evil by nature, the spines protect echinocactus from foraging animals such as wild pigs, and the spines have given rise to several alarming nicknames for this unassuming plant such as horse crippler, devil's footstool and Chisos hedgehog. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough partially hidden in its natural habitat for most of the year, echinocactus is easy to spot when it is topped by gorgeous red-centered, light salmon to clear pink, feathery daisy-like flowers in spring. The blooms are followed by plump red fruit, attractive to hungry animals who spread echinocactus seed through their droppings, enabling the plant to populate a wide area.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/collections\/echinocactus-category.jpg?v=1658759165","url":"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/echinocactus.oembed","provider":"Plant Delights Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}