Ferocactus hamatacanthus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ferocactus hamatacanthus |
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The Ferocactus hamatacanthus, often called the Turk's Head cactus, is a type of barrel cactus. It belongs to the Cacteae family. This cactus gets its common name because its shape can sometimes look a bit like a traditional Turk's headwear.
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Where it Lives
The Turk's Head cactus grows across a wide area. You can find it in the Chihuahuan Desert. This desert stretches across north-western Mexico, New Mexico, and south-western Texas.
What it Looks Like
This cactus usually grows by itself. It is often round or oval-shaped. It can grow up to about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall.
The cactus typically has 13 ribs, but sometimes it can have up to 17. These ribs are bumpy and stand out. They are usually about 2 to 3 centimeters (about 1 inch) high. The spots where the spines grow, called areoles, are quite large. They are spaced about 1 to 3 centimeters apart.
This cactus has about 12 spines that stick out from the sides. These are called radial spines. They are long and needle-like, usually 5 to 7 centimeters (about 2 to 3 inches) long. It has fewer central spines, usually only 4. These central spines are longer, reaching about 15 centimeters (about 6 inches). One of these central spines has a hook at its very tip.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Turk's Head cactus are large. They are usually 7 to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) wide. They are typically yellow. Some forms of the cactus can have a scarlet red color on the inside of their flowers.
This cactus also grows a fruit. The fruit is oblong, meaning it's longer than it is wide. It's about 2 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) long. The fruit is fleshy and can be eaten. It is usually dark brown or a dull color, not red. The seeds inside the fruit have small pits or dents.
Special Features
The Turk's Head cactus has special glands that grow in the areoles. These are the spots between the flowers and the spines. These glands are long, usually 2 to 4 centimeters (about 1 to 1.5 inches). When they are new, they are soft. But as they get older, they become hard and feel like spines.
Another interesting thing about this cactus is its fruit. Unlike some other cactus fruits, the fruit of the Turk's Head cactus is thin. The inside is very juicy and can be eaten. Many people say its flavor reminds them of kiwis!
Images for kids
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An older drawing showing the details of the Turk's Head cactus.
See also
In Spanish: Ferocactus hamatacanthus para niños
