Xerophyte

Habit

Ferocactus cylindraceusSN|10102]]SN|10102]] subs. eastwoodiae is a solitary, barrel cactus usually unbranched, forming a single moderately tall column.

Central Spines

Usually 4, the lowest the longest, curved but not hooked, 6-8 cm long and three auxiliary centrals form a crucifix shape. Spines can be yellowish to straw coloured, but darken with age.

Description

Ferocactus cylindraceusSN|10102]]SN|10102]] subs. eastwoodiae is a particularly attractive cactus with remarkably spines, that differs from the standard Ferocactus cylindraceusSN|10102]]SN|10102]] in having only 12-14 and stout radial spines and usually 4 central spines, the lowest the longest, curved but not hooked. Spines are yellowish to straw coloured, dense and partly obscuring the stems.

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

18 to 25 obtuse up to 2,5 cm high and tuberculate.

Stem

Green, spherical becoming columnar, growing slowly 1,6 to 3 m tall and 30 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

12 to 14 white spreading 2.5-5 cm long.

Fruits

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