Xerophyte

Description

it is a slowly growing massive barrel cactus, usually solitary, that grows huge in habitat ( up to 2,7 m tall, 1,5 m wide). It could live more than a hundred years. The stem is grey-blue ± tuberculate and nice when small, whilst large plants are heavily ribbed with numerous areoles, forming a continuous line. Spines are black.

Note

Echinocactus visnaga is one of the most massive of cacti, up to 1 meter across and 2 - 3 meters high. They can began enormous and a single plant of this species will sometimes weigh a ton. It can dominate a landscape because of its large size and impressive bulk. The plants (which have had several other names assigned to them, including Echinocactus ingensSN|10372]]SN|10372]] and Echinocactus grandis) often have a somewhat sway-backed, saddle-shaped apex, densely covered in white wool, where their yellow flowers emerge. They also tend to lean to the south or southwest so that the spines can better protect the body of the plant from the harsh desert sun. In fact, desert travellers can use the plant as a compass.

Flowers

from end of spring to summer, only on larger mature specimens receiving enough full sun. They are diurnal, vivid yellow.