Ferocactus histrix
Ferocactus histrix, also known as Acitrón barrel cactus is a species of Ferocactus native to central Mexico.
It is a large barrel cactus that can be commonly found throughout all the Central Mexican matorral. It produces an edible fruit appreciated for its sour taste.
Description
This cactus grows as an unbranched spherical globe, and can reach more than 1 meter in height after several years. Mature plants can have their stem divided in up to 25 to 40 ribs. The epidermis is blue-green in mature plants. As in other cacti species, when the apical meristem is damaged, the plant produces new shoots from the areoles close to the tip of the stem. Spines are light yellow and turn brown as they age. There are one to four protruding central spines that are straight or slightly curve, flattened or angular and up to long. The six to nine radial spines are slightly curved, round and up to long.It produces yellow medium-sized flowers from early to late spring and usually the fruits are mature by summer. It flowers when the plant is 10 years or older, though in cultivation they can flower earlier. After flowering, the Mexican cactus produces small, edible fruits that are often enjoyed by birds and other desert animals. Known for its ability to adapt to arid desert environments. It has a deep root system that allows it to absorb water from deep in the soil. This cactus also has a thick, waxy outer layer that helps prevent water loss through evaporation. This slow-growing cactus initially grows as a globular and then columnar cactus.