Echinocactus

Echinocactus is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, consisting of globose to barrel-shaped species native to the Americas. They are popular in cultivation for their sturdy form, striking spines, and showy flowers, and they occupy a range of desert and scrub habitats.

Most Echinocactus species have a rounded or cylindrical body with several to many prominent ribs. Along these ribs are areoles that bear clusters of spines, which can vary widely in length, thickness, color, and arrangement. Spines may be hooked or straight, and some species have a distinctive central spine. Flowers typically appear near the crown and are often large, funnel-shaped, and yellow, orange, or red, followed by small fruits in some species.

Geographically, Echinocactus ranges from the southwestern United States through Mexico and into parts of Central and South America. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions with well-draining soils and are adapted to periods of drought, making them relatively tolerant of dry cultivation conditions when provided with bright light.

The genus comprises roughly a dozen or more species, though exact numbers vary with taxonomic treatment. The best-known member is Echinocactus grusonii, the Golden Barrel Cactus, which is widely grown as an ornamental. Other species include Echinocactus horizonthalonius and Echinocactus platyacanthus. Taxonomic boundaries with related genera have shifted as classifications are refined.

Cultivation requires bright light, a porous, well-draining growing medium, and careful watering—allowing soil to dry substantially between waterings. They are generally slow-growing and long-lived, often tolerant of neglect but vulnerable to overwatering and freezing temperatures. Propagation is possible from seeds or offsets. Conservation concerns exist for some species due to habitat loss and collection pressures.