Barrel Cactus
| Cacti Types of Cactus Cactus Flowers 
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Barrel cactus is the name given to a variety of cacti species in two different genera, Echinocactus and Ferocactus, that share the physical trait of a spiny covered barrel shaped plant.
The top picture shows a flower from the California Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus cylindraceus), a common species of the Southwest desert.
Most barrel species are of medium height, between 4-10 feet tall.
Often they stand singularly in place on the desert floor, although as the picture shows, there are times you find them growing in groups.
All barrel cacti flower on the top of the plant in a circular configuration. Flowers range in color from yellow to red.
They are popular landscaping plants.
© 2004-2011 Patricia A. Michaels.