Family: Cactaceae
Compound: Fer pot
Synonyms:
Geographic Origin: NW Mexico
Characteristics: A robust, green, globular cactus, with 20 to 30
ribs which allow the plant to expand and contract with water intake. Large individuals may be
nearly 1m (3ft) tall and 0.6m (2ft) in diameter. Each areole has 6 stiff radial spines, and a
straight central spine grow from the areoles along the ribs. The spines are variable in color,
ranging from white or tan to black with age. This species produces yellow flowers, sometimes
with orange filaments in a ring around the meristem. After pollination, scaly, yellow, oval-
shaped fruits, resembling pineapples develop. The fruits are fleshy and contain hundreds of tiny
black seeds
Natural History: Found in rocky soils, on hillsides and bajadas or sometimes in depressions or
cracks in large boulders from thornscrub and tropical deciduous forest into oak forest. It
flowers in the spring and early summer.
Cultivation Notes: Barrel cacti are widely cultivated for their attractive form, and hardiness in
landscapes. This species specifically may occasionally be found for sale in some nurseries.
For general cactus propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Unknown, but similar species were used as a source of emergency water by
removing the inner flesh and pressing the liquid out of it. The fruits are edible, though some
species taste better than others. The seeds could be dried, ground and cooked in water to make
an edible paste.
Today, barrel cacti are used in landscaping due to their unique, attractive appearance and
hardiness.
Citations:
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?tid=27325&taxauthid=1&clid=0
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?tid=3017&taxauthid=1&clid=0
Inaturalist
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?taxon_id=274327