Arizona barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni, Cact. 3: 127 (1922))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (Engelm.) Britton & Rose

Bibliography: Cact. 3: 127 (1922)

Year: 1922

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ferocactus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Arizona to W. Texas and N. Mexico

Description

The Arizona barrel cactus, scientifically named Ferocactus wislizeni, is a distinguished member of the Cactaceae family. This formidable cactus thrives in the arid landscapes spanning from Arizona to Western Texas and Northern Mexico, illustrating its adaptability to harsh desert environments.

Characterized by its robust and cylindrical shape, the Arizona barrel cactus can reach impressive heights, often standing at several feet tall. Its thick, ribbed body is adorned with prominent, sharp spines that serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores. These spines can vary in color from yellow to red, adding a striking visual contrast against the green of the cactus itself.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ferocactus wislizeni is its blooming pattern. In the flowering season, usually in late summer, the cactus produces vibrant, cup-shaped flowers that range in color from yellow to orange-red. These blooms not only add to the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and birds.

In addition to its visual appeal, the Arizona barrel cactus holds significant ecological value. Its structure provides shelter and sustenance for various desert-dwelling creatures. The cactus’s fruit, which emerges following the flowering period, is not only a food source for wildlife but has also been utilized by indigenous peoples for its nutritional content.

This species was first formally described in the early 20th century, and its botanical details were published in Cact. 3: 127 (1922) by (Engelm.) Britton & Rose. Their detailed documentation has contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of this resilient desert plant.

The Arizona barrel cactus stands as a testament to the diversity and resilience of the desert flora. Its striking appearance, ecological importance, and historical significance make it a notable subject of study and admiration within the botanical community.

Common Names

En: Arizona barrel cactus, Candy barrel cactus, Southwestern barrel cactus, Compass barrel, Fishhook cactus, Fishhook barrel cactus, Fish-hook Barrel, Candy barrelcactus
Pt: Cactus
Es: Viznaga hembra, Biznaga de agua, Ferocactus wislizenii, Biznaga-barril de Nuevo México

Synonyms

• Echinocactus wislizeni f. phoeniceus ((R.E.Kunze) Schelle)
• Echinocactus wislizeni var. phoeniceus (R.E.Kunze)
• Ferocactus wislizeni subsp. ajoensis (Fencl & Kalas)
• Echinocactus falconeri (Orcutt)
• Echinocactus wislizeni var. albus (Costantin & Poiss.)
• Ferocactus phoeniceus ((R.E.Kunze) Orcutt)
• Ferocactus wislizeni var. albispinus ((Toumey) Y.Itô)
• Echinocactus wislizeni (Engelm.)
• Echinocactus wislizeni var. latispinus (Schelle)
• Echinocactus wislizeni var. decipiens (Engelm.)
• Ferocactus arizonicus ((R.E.Kunze) Orcutt)
• Ferocactus wislizeni var. ajoensis (Fencl & Kalas)
• Ferocactus wislizeni var. phoeniceus ((R.E.Kunze) Y.Itô)
• Ferocactus falconeri ((Orcutt) Orcutt)
• Echinocactus arizonicus (R.E.Kunze)
• Echinocactus wislizeni var. albispinus (Toumey)
• Echinocactus wislizeni f. albispinus ((Toumey) Schelle)
• Ferocactus wislizeni var. flalconeri ((Orcutt) Y.Itô)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2021 by Smallbeech (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2020 by Abato Seda María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2021 by cisneros cisneros (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 22, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by Tr Ernesto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Paul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Paul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Cristina Cactus (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 28, 2017 by Manuel Hernández (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Dan McLean (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2021 by abderrahim Lamari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Paul (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:103697-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britton & Rose)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084156)

Specifications

Growth