Xerophyte

Description

The classical Ferocactus glaucescensSN|1532]]SN|1532]] is a solitary or basally suckering, barrel cactus. Multiple heads are produced as the plant ages and can form a very large mound. The variegated form (Ferocactus glaucescensSN|1532]]SN|1532]] f. variegatus) has sectors, patches or stripes with distinct shades of yellow. A very few variegated plants sprout unpredictably time by time among normal green seedling and are very rare. Plants with variegated stems are often attractive and highly prized.

Flowers

Lemon yellow, funnel-shaped, 3-4 cm in diameter. The tepals are oblong, lanceolate, silky, shining; the margins are finely fringed. Stamen, style and stigma are yellow. Stigma lobes

Blooming Season

Late spring and summer. The flowers last a very long time. The plants start flowering when about 13 cm in diameter.

Ribs

11 to 15.

Stem

Glaucous grey and yellow, up to 55 cm in height, 50 cm in diameter. Globular depressed at the apex, it becomes shortly columnar as it ages. But often variegated plants stay much smaller.

Radial Spines

6 or 7, 2.5-4 cm long, straight, light yellow.

Fruits

White, 2 cm long with the remnants of the flowers attached.