Echinocactus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Echinocactus |
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| Echinocactus grusonii | |
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Cacteae
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Echinocactus
Link & Otto
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| Echinocactus platyacanthus |
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See text |
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Brittonrosea Speg. |
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Echinocactus is a group of cacti that look like barrels. They are part of the Cactoideae family. Their name comes from the Ancient Greek word echinos, which means "spiny." This makes sense because these cacti are very spiky!
They are known as barrel cacti, along with another group called Ferocactus. Echinocactus cacti usually have many strong spines and small flowers. Their fruits are covered in a lot of woolly fuzz. This is a key way to tell them apart from Ferocactus cacti. You can grow new Echinocactus plants from their seeds.
Perhaps the most famous species is the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii). It comes from Mexico. This plant is easy to grow and is very popular in homes and gardens. Even though it's common in plant stores, the golden barrel cactus has become very rare in its natural home.
Contents
Meet the Barrel Cacti Species
As of 2020, there are 6 accepted species in the Echinocactus group. Many other plants used to be called Echinocactus, but they are now in different groups. These cacti grow in dry areas of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Golden Barrel Cactus
The Echinocactus grusonii is often called the Golden Barrel Cactus. It has bright yellow spines that make it look golden. This cactus is native to Querétaro and Hidalgo in Mexico. It's a favorite for gardens and indoor plant collections.
Devil's Head and Silverbell
Echinocactus horizonthalonius has several common names, including Devil's Head and Silverbell Cactus. It grows in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This cactus often has a bluish-green color.
Horse Crippler Cactus
Echinocactus parryi is sometimes called the horse crippler or devil's pincushion. It is found in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. Its strong spines can be a hazard, giving it its common name.
Giant Barrel Cactus
The Echinocactus platyacanthus is known as the Giant Barrel Cactus. It can grow very large, living for many years. This species is found in the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico.
Cottontop Cactus
Echinocactus polycephalus is called the Cottontop Cactus. Its name comes from the woolly fuzz that covers its top. You can find this cactus in the Mojave Desert in Arizona, California, and Nevada, and also in northern Sonora, Mexico.
Texas Barrel Cactus
Echinocactus texensis is another species known as Horse Crippler or Devil's Pincushion. It grows in parts of the United States and Mexico. Like other barrel cacti, it has a round shape and strong spines.
See also
In Spanish: Echinocactus para niños
Images for kids
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A close-up of the Golden Barrel Cactus.
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The unique shape of Echinocactus horizonthalonius.
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Echinocactus parryi showing its dense spines.
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A large Echinocactus platyacanthus in a garden.
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The Cottontop Cactus with its distinctive woolly top.
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Echinocactus texensis, also known as the Horse Crippler.
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