Xerophyte

Central Spines

A large central spine and three auxiliary centrals form a crucifix shape. The primary central is 7-15 long, angles down and is slightly to moderately hooked, sometimes to 90 degrees. The other centrals are from 5 to 7,5 cm long. The centrals are noticeably ring ridged and flattened, with a flat upper surface and rounded lower surface. Spines can be very light grey to red and yellow, but darken to black with age.

Description

Ferocactus cylindraceusSN|10113]]SN|10102]] = (Ferocactus acanthodesSN|10102]]SN|10113]]) is a colourful barrel cactus usually unbranched, forming a single moderately tall column. Four subspecies are recognized, the nominate form, subsp. eastwoodiae (L.D.Benson) N.P.Taylor, subsp. lecontei (Engelm.) N.P.Taylor and subsp. tortulispinus (Gates) N.P.Taylor.

Note

The flowers on all subspecies are yellow, occasionally with a red tint.

Flowers

Yellow tinged with red appear in May and June at the crown of the plant, 4 to 6 cm.

Ribs

2,5 cm high and tuberculate.

Stem

Green, spherical becoming columnar up to 2 m tall and 30 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Fleshy, covered with scales, yellow or yellowish green, 5 cm long, 2,5 cm in diameter.