Scientific Name
Ferocactus latispinus Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Devil's Tongue Barrel Cactus, Devil's Tongue Barrel, Devil's Tongue Cactus, Crow's Claw Cactus, Fish Hook Cactus
Synonym(s)
Bisnaga latispina, Bisnaga recurva subsp. latispina, Cactus latispinus, Echinocactus corniger var. latispinus, Echinocactus cornigerus f. latispinus, Echinocactus latispinus, Echinocactus recurvus var. latispinus, Ferocactus recurvus var. latispinus, Mammillaria latispina
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Description
Ferocactus latispinus is an attractive cactus with a spherical light green stem with 13 to 23 acute ribs lined with clusters of colorful spines. It can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 6 to 15 radial spines and usually 4 central spines. The radial spines are straight, measuring up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and can be white, yellow, pink, or reddish. The central spines are longer and more colored than the radial spines. One is wider than the others, flat, measuring up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, and apically bent downward or hooked.
The funnel-shaped flowers appear in late fall or early winter and can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length. They are rich rose, purple, mauve, or purple-blue. The fruits are spherical to elongate and can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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.
Origin
Ferocactus latispinus is native to Mexico.
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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