Ferocactus are the barrel cactii. Generally they are large cacti, with a distinctive barrel shape. Fero comes from the latin word for fierce and refers to the substantial spines.

efloras.

Ferocactus

covillei

Colville's Barrel

 

 
Ferocactus covillei, Colvillie's Barrel, growing in gardens at the Sonoran Desert Musem just West of Tucson, Arizona, April 20.

Ferocactus

gracilis

Baja Fire

Barrel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native of the southern part of Baja Penisula.

Ferocactus

glaucescens

Blue Barrel

 

 

 

 

 
Ferocactus

 

rectispinis

Straight Spined Barrel Cactus

 

  
 
Ferocactus

wislizenii

Arizona Barrel
Arizona Barrel Cactus, Ferocactus wislizenii, growing in Tucson Desert Park, elevation 2,400 Feet, March 9, 2007. This is a substantial barrel with dense spines, central spine about 30mm. long Tilts generally to the south Meadirection of tilt on two specimens 192 and 208 degrees. Juice is reported strongly alkaline.