Xerophyte

Seeds

Dark brown to black, 1.9-2.3 mm long.

Description

Ferocactus wislizeni subsp. ajoensis is an infraspecific name used to indicate a very long spined form of Ferocactus wislizenii. It is distinguished from the type subspecies of F. wislizeni by columnar, slender body, longer, denser and more robust spines and earlier and longer flowering period during the summer months. This subspecies will almost certainly not be recognized by more strict taxonomists. But it's interesting and definitely look different from the usual wislizenii.

Note

The specific name ajoensis refers to the town of Ajo, the type locality of this species.

Flowers

Funnel-shaped, variable, whorled around the apex, red, orange, 40-50 mm long and broad, petal with darker median stripes.

Blooming Season

May to August, depending on local and cultural conditions.

Spines

Variable, purple, grey to nearly white. Central spines variable, very strong, straight, hooked, 4.4-12 cm long. Radial spines 8-10, unequal, needle-shaped, up to 5 cm long.

Ribs

20-30.

Stem

Solitary, columnar, slender, up to 1.5 m tall, and 30-40 cm in diameter, epidermis green.

Fruits

Ovate, fleshy, yellow, 36 mm long, 25 mm wide.

Areoles

More or less woolly.