Etymology -Named after the small Peruvian town 50 miles east of Lima, where they grow at 6,000-13,000 feet
The genus, Matucana is a mountainous species from Peru that was first discovered as recently as 1922. There it grows at high elevations of over 12,000 feet (3700m). Since its discovery, nearly 20 species have become widely popular among collectors.
Overall, Matucana species are globular or cylindrical plants with shallow ribs and moderate to light spination. The largest maxing out at around 30 inches (75cm), most remain under a foot (30cm) in height. Ribs are distinctly tuberculate and the plant bodies are typically bright green. The flowers of Matucana are quite distinctive and showy. Most are bilateral and stand up above the plant on tall floral tubes that are reminiscent of "cowl vents" on a ship. (The vents that cartoon characters are always jumping into.) Most flowers are red, but may be orange, pink, yellow, or white. Fruits are juicy and round.