Glaucous barrel cactus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Glaucous barrel cactus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Genus:	Ferocactus
Species:	F. glaucescens
Binomial name
Ferocactus glaucescens (DC.) Britton & Rose
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Ferocactus glaucescens, also known as the glaucous barrel cactus, is a cool plant that belongs to the cactus family. It's a type of cactus that grows in a round or cylinder shape. You can find it naturally only in the limestone hills of Hidalgo, a state in Mexico. This means it's "endemic" to that area, so it's a special plant from Mexico!

About the Glaucous Barrel Cactus

This cactus can grow quite large, up to about 60 cm (24 in) (which is about 2 feet) across. It has long, bright yellow spines that stick out from its body. In the summer, it blooms with pretty yellow flowers. The word "glaucous" in its name means it has a pale, grayish-blue or greenish-blue color, like a dusty or waxy coating.

Growing This Cactus

If you live in a place with a cooler climate, this cactus needs to be grown in a special way. It must be kept "under glass," which means in a greenhouse or a sunny indoor space. This helps it stay warm and protected from cold weather.

The Ferocactus glaucescens is a very well-regarded plant. It has even won an important prize called the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardeners to grow.

Special Forms of This Cactus

There's also a special version of this cactus that doesn't have any spines! It's called Ferocactus glaucescens forma nuda. "Nuda" means "naked" or "bare," which makes sense because it's spineless.

See also

• In Spanish: Ferocactus glaucescens para niños