Ferocactus cylindraceus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ferocactus cylindraceus | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
Ferocactus cylindraceus (Engelm.) Orcutt |
||||||||||||||
Synonyms | ||||||||||||||
Echinocactus cylindraceus |
Ferocactus cylindraceus is a species of barrel cactus which is known by several common names, including California barrel cactus and miner's compass. This cactus is usually cylindrical or spherical, with some older specimens forming columns two meters in height. It is covered in long, plentiful spines, which are straight and red when new and become curved and gray as they age. It bears bright yellow flowers with red or yellow centers on the side that faces the sun. The fleshy, hollow fruits are yellow. This cactus is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. A picturesque organism, this already uncommon plant is threatened by collectors.