Scientific Name
Ferocactus macrodiscus (Mart.) Britton & Rose
Synonym(s)
Ferocactus macrodiscus subsp. macrodiscus, Bisnaga macrodisca, Echinocactus macrodiscus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ferocactus
Etymology
The specific epithet "macrodiscus" (pronounced "mack-roh-DISS-kus") means "large disc" and refers to the shape of the stem of this species.
Origin
Ferocactus macrodiscus is native to Mexico.
Description
Ferocactus macrodiscus is a barrel cactus with a solitary, blue-green stem with 16 to 35 pronounced ribs and clusters of curved, yellow or red spines. The stem is depressed-globose and can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall and 18 inches (45 cm) in diameter. The spines can measure up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long. Each areole bears 6 to 8 radial and 1 to 4 (one longer) central spines.
The flowers are funnel-shaped and can reach a length of 2 inches (5 cm) and a diameter of 1.6 inches (4 cm). They are white with bright purple or pink stripes on petals and appear from spring to summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Select a planting location that receives direct sunlight during most or all of the day. Because Ferocactus eventually leans into the sun instead of growing precisely upright, and because it has extremely sharp thorns, place it where people will not accidentally brush against it.
Plant your 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. Ferocactus thrives in poor and arid soil.
Water the cactus at planting time 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.
See 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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