Gordon Beningfield (British, 1936 - 1998) "Claret Cup Cactus" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 29c Claret Cup Cactus stamp issued July 24, 1992. A member of one of the largest genera of cacti -- Echinocereus -- claret cup cactus occurs in dry, rocky soils of deserts, hillsides and woodlands in the Southwest and southern Rocky Mountains. Because characteristics such as stem sizes and the number and length of spines vary considerably among populations of claret cup cactus in different regions, botanists have designated many varieties within this species. The genus name, which comes from the Greek words echinos -- spiny -- and cereus -- waxy candle -- aptly describes the appearance of its slender, spinecovered stems. Another common name for members of this genus is hedgehog cactus. The branched stems of claret cup cactus form mounds from one to four feet in diameter. When covered with blossoms, usually from April to July, the scarlet mounds add a striking splash of color to dry desert landscapes. Because of their waxy coating, the blossoms often last for a week or more. Image Size: 7 x 6 in. Overall Size: 11.5 x 10.5 in. Unframed. (B13146)