by 
Approximately 1,000 endangered Arizona Hedgehog cactus grown on Resolution Copper’s JI Ranch were collected and replanted.
April 25, 2016 – Superior, AZ — Located in far eastern Pinal County, east of Superior and west of Miami, Arizona is the JI Ranch, a 266-acre site known for tall stands of Emory oak trees, rocky outcrops and natural beauty. Owned by Resolution Copper, the ranch is nestled within a Madrean Evergreen Woodland and surrounded by the Tonto National Forest. There are no freeways, no chain restaurants, no big-box retailers, and no industrial development – in fact it’s the perfect location to protect an endangered plant known as the Arizona hedgehog cactus.
“The endangered Arizona Hedgehog cactus, listed under the Endangered Species Act, is an important part of Arizona’s natural landscape and cultural heritage,” says Tara Kitcheyan, Sr. Advisor, Native American Affairs, Resolution Copper. “The vision of Resolution Copper is not only to stimulate the Copper Triangle economy, but to also preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the region, including the cultural heritage of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. We are honored to have the opportunity to protect and preserve the Arizona hedgehog cactus, a plant that is mutually important to the San Carlos Apache Tribe and to Resolution Copper,” Kitcheyan said.
In August 2012, under the watchful eye of biologists from Tucson-based WestLand Resources, approximately 1,000 small vegetative propagations, called “offsets” or “pups” were collected from mature Arizona hedgehog cactus growing on the JI Ranch. These cacti were planted in pots containing a mixture of native soil and sand, and kept in a greenhouse at the JI Ranch where they were monitored and watered monthly for more than three years. Some were observed budding, flowering, and producing “pups” of their own while in the greenhouse.
In March 2016, 364 Arizona hedgehog cactus offsets were planted by Resolution Copper within suitable habitat at the JI Ranch and with the help of volunteers from a youth group affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Chandler Stake. Habitat chosen for transplant sites included rock crevices, the base of boulders, and soil pockets under shrubs, with partial shade. The remaining Arizona offsets continue to be nurtured in the greenhouse for future planting.
“Working with young people in our community helps connect the youth to the environment and educates them on how to protect these natural ecosystems,” says Kami Ballard, Environmental Advisor, Resolution Copper. “In addition, these transplants will enhance the natural cactus population at the JI Ranch by increasing Arizona hedgehog cactus density.”
Arizona hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus) is a low-growing succulent native to the southwestern United States. On October 25, 1979, it was listed as an endangered plant under the Endangered Species Act. This cactus earned its name because its short, spiny stems resemble hedgehogs.
About Resolution Copper
Resolution Copper Mining is a limited liability company working to develop the third largest undeveloped copper resource in the world near Superior, AZ. The project will mine ore using underground block-caving methods at depths of nearly 7,000 feet below surface. When in full production, the mine will employ 1,400 workers directly and generate an additional 2,300 indirect and induced jobs. The mine will be North America’s largest copper producer when in full production, capable of producing more than 25 percent of the nation’s demand based on today’s usage.
Fact Sheet on the Hedgehog Cactus
Arizona hedgehog cactus is common in its native range and produces colorful flowers in the spring. There are about 50 associated species of hedgehog cactus. The Arizona hedgehog cactus tends to grow in clumps and has a round shape that is 1 to 2 1/2 feet in diameter. The flowers and fruits are red in color and blooms appear in April and May, bursting through the ribs on the stems. This particular cactus resembles its namesake — the desert hedgehog; a small and adorable mammal that is sometimes called a pincushion with legs. But it has also been called the king’s cup, claret cup and mound cactus. Earlier people thought that the hedgehog cactus spines gave it a hedgehog type appearance, hence its name.
Appearance
This cactus grows in clumps of three to 60 stems per clump. Each light green stem grows up to 16 inches tall. As more and more stems grow, the clump can spread to 3 feet wide. The stems are cylindrical bodies with 8 to 13 ribs. Areoles – specialized areas on cacti from which spines grow – develop along the ribs. Each areole produces seven to 14 sharp spines up to one inch long. Hedgehog cacti often develop an almost solid covering of these sharp spines.
Culture
Hedgehog cactus is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 10, appearing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. Like most cacti, the hedgehog cactus grows in sandy, rocky soil. It needs well-draining soil, as it is prone to root rot if its roots remain wet for extended periods. This plant prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade. Hedgehog cactus makes a fine container plant or lawn specimen. When grown indoors, it should be kept near a sunny window.
Flowers
All hedgehog-cactus varieties have colorful flowers, and most have edible fruit. The flowers open after the spring rains from February to May. The most common hedgehog-cactus varieties have intense magenta flowers, although the flowers may also appear in shades of pink, purple and lavender. The blossoms last for five days, opening in the morning and closing at night. Hedgehog-cactus flowers are up to 3 inches wide, making them look quite large in comparison to the size of the stems.
Fruit
The reddish-orange fruit develops once flowering is complete. The fruit is spherical to ovoid and about 1 inch long. It has a fleshy white pulp tinged by the reddish-orange skin color. The fruit is covered in deciduous spines that fall off as the fruit reaches maturity. Hedgehog cactus is also called strawberry hedgehog cactus for the strawberry taste of its fruit. Both birds and rodents eat the fruit.
Propagation
Propagation is from seed or offset cuttings. The seed is sown in spring or summer onto sandy seedbeds or prepared containers. Hedgehog cactus develops offsets that grow from the base plant. An offset is separated from the rest of the plant by cutting the stem at the base of the offset. The best time to remove the offsets is in the summer, when they can be replanted in an area that receives full sun exposure.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
by by