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Arizona Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus wislizeni

Photo by Chris Castro
Published on Project Noah
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33.5881, -112.548

Field Notes

Description:

Barrel cacti have a barrel shaped body that range from short and round to a taller slightly more slender shape. They are also dotted by central points on the stem and apex where their spikes shoot out. Another name for the barrel cactus is the fish hook cactus which is based off of the longer needles that form a hook around the body.

Habitat:

Mountain and desert regions

Notes:

Healthy barrel cacti have white "fish hook" needles that extend from the stem. This specimen was found in a highly populated area which may mean it lacks nutrients resulting in its black needles.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

well, keep on posting...you live in a neat area...would love to see what's around your area.
Sort of, actually it was the only plant I could identify fairly easy in my area but I do have some interest in cacti.
Welcome to Project Noah Chris...are you interested in cacti?
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 23, 2012

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