Echinopsis is a large
genus of
cacti native to South America, sometimes known as
hedgehog cactus,
sea-urchin cactus or
Easter lily cactus. One small species,
E. chamaecereus, is known as the
peanut cactus. The 128 species range from large and treelike types to small globose cacti. The name derives from
echinos hedgehog or sea urchin, and
opsis appearance, a reference to these plants' dense coverings of spines.