Barrel Cactus
Family: cactus
Other common names: Arizona Barrel; Candy Barrel; Bisnaga
Type: accent plant; evergreen
Salvaged from locations: Hwy 90
Salvage method: bare root
Size: 5 ft H x 2 ft W
Water Usage: rainfall
Hardiness: 10 degrees F
Exposure: full sun
Flower color: yellow to orange-yellow
Flower season: summer
Wildlife value: ripe fruit relished by desert animals; seeds; nectar; shelter for packrats.
Did You Know? - Ferocactus comes from the Latin Aferox@ or fierce
A cactus' waxy skin helps it retain moisture in desert climates.
Yes, the barrel cactus has roots.
in winter the barrel cactus
A rhinosorous
No, the barrel cactus is a vascular plant.
A barrel cactus stores water in their spongy stem, which swells and looks like a barrel, hence the name.
In the desert (e.g. cactus plants).
The cactus adapted to its harsh environment by developing thick skin to slow the evaporation of water. The leaves changed in order to reduce the surface area that water could evaporate from and over time became defensive spines to protect itself from animals trying to get inside its thick skin for the moisture. The cactus makes its food, by having chlorophyll throughout the rest of plant. That is why the entire cactus is green.
There are a number of species of barrel cactus that live in the deserts of North America.
No, the saguaro is a distinct species of cactus and different from the various barrel cacti.
All cacti are vascular plants, including the barrel cactus.
thick and waxy skin, spiky leaves, flexible stem and shallow roots.