Class Caryophyllidae

Order Caryophyllale

Family Cactaceae

Subfamily Cactoideae

Genus Echinocereus

Species lloydii

The actual taxonomy for Lloyd’s Hedgehog cactus is currently in the midst of a small controversy. Recent evidence has indicated that it might be a hybrid of the Texas rainbow cactus and a species of claret cup cactus. This would technically make Lloyd’s Hedgehog cactus not a distinct species. Dr. Allan Zimmerman has been involved in research documenting hybridization and backcrossing of the cactus with both of its parental species. Neither of the parental species are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and if Lloyd’s Hedgehog cactus is shown to be a hybrid it will be removed from the list as well.