(Echinocactus grusonii)
Golden Barrel Cactus
The Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a slow-growing, barrel-shaped cactus native to east-central Mexico. With a pale green, heavily ribbed stem and sharp radial spines in shades of yellow or white, this cactus can reach up to 3.3 feet in height and nearly the same in diameter. Yellow flowers appear at the top of mature plants during summer when grown in full sun.
Habitat
Golden Barrel Cacti grow in arid desert regions of east-central Mexico, often in rocky, well-drained soils.
Life
These cacti develop slowly, producing flowers only after many years of growth under full sun. They reproduce through seeds.
Life Span
Varies by conditions, but they are long-lived plants.
Status
Endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and over-collection.