San diego barrelcactus (Ferocactus viridescens, Cact. 3: 140 (1922))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (Torr. & A.Gray) Britton & Rose

Bibliography: Cact. 3: 140 (1922)

Year: 1922

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ferocactus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. California to Mexico (NW. Baja California)

Description

San Diego barrelcactus, scientifically named Ferocactus viridescens, is an intriguing species within the Cactaceae family, documented comprehensively in 1922 in Cactaceæ (Cact. 3: 140) by the noted botanists Britton & Rose, based on the original identification by Torr. & A.Gray.

This remarkable cactus is indigenous to the arid, sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California extending into the northwestern Baja California region of Mexico. The natural habitat of the San Diego barrelcactus is characterized by its resilience and adaptability to the harsh environmental conditions typical of these areas.

Ferocactus viridescens is distinguishable by its robust and barrel-shaped form. It often showcases vibrant, reddish spines that provide both a defense mechanism against herbivores and add to its striking aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the cactus is known for its beautiful and typically yellow to red flowers, which bloom atop the plant, creating a stunning contrast against its green exterior.

Adapted to survive in rocky and sandy soils, the San Diego barrelcactus plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, contributing to soil stability and serving as a water reservoir and a source of food for various wildlife. Its ability to store water allows it to endure prolonged periods of drought, marking it as a quintessential species for xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping in arid regions.

Conservation efforts are important for this species due to habitat loss and environmental changes. The San Diego barrelcactus is an excellent representation of the unique and diverse flora found in the desert regions of North America, symbolizing endurance and natural beauty in one of nature’s most challenging ecosystems.

Common Names

Spa: biznaga-barril verdosa, sisal
Eng: san diego barrel cactus, coast barrel cactus, coastal barrel cactus, green-stem viznaga, keg cactus, small barrel cactus
En: San Diego barrelcactus, San Diego Barrel Cactus, Coast barrel cactus, Coastal barrel cactus, Green-stem viznaga, Keg cactus, Small barrel cactus
Es: Biznaga-barril verdosa, Biznaga, Sisal

Synonyms

• Echinocactus californicus (Monv. ex Labour.)
• Ferocactus viridescens var. littoralis (G.E.Linds.)
• Echinocactus cylindraceus (Engelm.)
• Echinocactus orcuttii (Engelm. ex Orcutt)
• Echinocactus viridescens (Torr. & A.Gray)
• Ferocactus orcuttii ((Engelm. ex Orcutt) Britton & Rose)
• Echinocactus limitus (Engelm. ex J.M.Coult.)
• Ferocactus californicus ((Monv. ex Labour.) Borg)
• Ferocactus acanthodes ((Lem.) Britton & Rose)
• Echinocactus acanthodes (Lem.)
• Ferocactus viridescens subsp. littoralis ((G.E.Linds.) F.Wolf & R.Wolf)
• Ferocactus viridescens var. orcuttii ((Engelm. ex Orcutt) G.Unger)
• Ferocactus viridescens subsp. orcuttii ((Engelm. ex Orcutt) F.Wolf & R.Wolf)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Diego Alex (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:103693-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084151)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ferocactus viridescens (Nutt. ex Torr. & A.Gray) Britton & Rose)

Specifications

Growth