Ferocactus robustus (Pfeiffer) Britton & Rose 1922

Clustering barrel cactus

Ferocactus robustus means “big robust ferocious cactus”—a reference to the sprawling colonies produced by this species. It is native to Peubla, Mexico.

Plants: Most members of Ferocactus are usually solitary plants, but this one has a profusion of stems, forming masses 3′ (1 m) high and up to 16′ (5 m) around. Stems are round or elongated ovals 3–6″ (8–16 cm) in diameter, with 8 ribs, and spine groups that are further apart than with most of this genus. 4-7 large central spines include a single, hooked, largest spine up to 2″ (6 cm) long, and several shorter, straight spines. Central spines are tinged with tan, red, or purple. Underneath are 10-14 smaller, whiter radial spines.

Flowers: Funnel-shaped yellow or yellow-orange flowers are 1–1½″ (3–4 cm) in size.

Fruits: Yellow, ball- or oval-shaped fruits are ¾–1″ (2–3 cm) in size. They have broad, widely separated scales. Black, 1/32″ long ⨉ 1/32″ wide (1.5 ⨉ 1 mm), with polygonal ridges.

Habitats: South central Mexico (Puebla, Tehuacan), at elevations of 2297–3281′ (700–1000 m).

Online References:

References:

Ferocactus robustus description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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