Scientific Name
Ferocactus hamatacanthus subsp. sinuatus (A.Dietr.) N.P.Taylor
Common Name(s)
Mexican Fruit Cactus, Texas Barrel Cactus, Turk's Head Barrel, Turk's Head Cactus, Turk's Head Barrel Cactus, Viznaga Barrel Cactus, Yellow Turk's Head
Synonym(s)
Bisnaga haematacantha subsp. sinuata, Echinocactus longihamatus f. sinuatus, Echinocactus longihamatus var. sinuatus, Echinocactus longihamatus var. sinuatus, Echinocactus setispinus var. sinuatus, Echinocactus sinuatus, Ferocactus haematacanthus subsp. sinuatus, Ferocactus haematacanthus var. sinuatus, Hamatocactus hamatacanthus subsp. sinuatus, Hamatocactus sinuatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Origin
Ferocactus hamatacanthus subsp. sinuatus is native to northeastern Mexico and the United States (Texas). It grows at elevations from sea level up to 1,640 feet (500 m).
Description
Ferocactus hamatacanthus subsp. sinuatus is a small, slow-growing cactus with a dark green, usually solitary stem with typically 13 undulate to deeply scalloped ribs lined with areoles that bear clusters of spines. It is a smaller version of Ferocactus hamatacanthus subsp. hamatacanthus. The stem is spherical to ovoid, sometimes sparsely clumps at the base, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. The areoles are round to elliptic, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) apart, and each bears up to 4 central and 8 to 12 radial spines. The central spines are yellow or straw-colored, curved or slightly hooked, with the principal spine strongly flattened and measuring up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in length. The radial spines are grey to reddish and can grow up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long.
The funnel-shaped, pale yellow flowers appear at the top of the stem from late summer to fall and can reach a length of 3 inches (7.5 cm) and a diameter of 3.6 inches (9 cm). They open at noon, partially close at night, and last several days. The fruits contain numerous glossy black seeds and can be green, yellow-green, or olive. They can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 8b to 11b: from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Choose a location that receives direct sun during all or most of the day. Plant your Barrel Cactus in early spring before new roots begin to form. The roots may appear dry, which is typical before new growth begins. Dig a hole deep enough for the plant's roots and amend it as needed to provide fast-draining soil. A good soil mixture includes 10 percent native soil, 45 percent washed sand or pumice, and 45 percent compost.
Water the cactus when planting to anchor it into the soil. Water again only if the weather in your area is unseasonably dry and if normal spring or winter rainfall doesn't occur. Ferocactus needs a dormant period with dry soil during the winter.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Ferocactus.
Links
- Back to genus Ferocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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