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(Ferocactus hamatacanthus)
Turk’s Head Cactus (Ferocactus hamatacanthus)
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Peter A. Mansfeld
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
Peter A. Mansfeld
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Peter A. Mansfeld | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: PeterMansfeld | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Ferocactus_hamatacanthus_pm.JPG | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ferocactus hamatacanthus, commonly known as Turk’s Head Cactus, is a barrel cactus native to the arid and semi-arid regions of northeastern Mexico and parts of Texas. It is typically found in desert scrub and rocky hillsides where it is adapted to high temperatures and low water availability. This cactus grows to be solitary, usually with a globular to oblong shape, and can reach up to 60 centimeters (24 inches) in height. It has 13 to 17 prominent ribs that are strongly tubercled, each rib being 2 to 3 centimeters (0.79 to 1.2 inches) high. The areoles are large and spaced 1 to 3 centimeters (0.39 to 1.2 inches) apart, with about 12 radial spines that are acicular and terete, measuring 5 to 7 centimeters (2.0 to 2.8 inches) long. There are also fewer central spines, typically 4, which are angled and elongated at around 15 centimeters (5.9 inches), with one central spine hooked at its apex. The flowers are large and showy, usually 7 to 8 centimeters (2.8 to 3.1 inches) across, displaying a yellow color with an inner scarlet hue in some forms. The fruit is oblong, 2 to 5 centimeters (0.79 to 2.0 inches) long, fleshy, edible, and dark brown to drab in color, and the seeds are pitted.
The Turk’s Head Cactus is valued for its striking appearance, low maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. It is often used as a specimen plant in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and desert-themed landscapes. It thrives in full sun with very low water needs and prefers soils with fast drainage. While it is generally free of serious pests and diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to note that this cactus is protected in its native habitat and should not be collected from the wild.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Turk’s Head Cactus is valued for its striking appearance, low maintenance requirements, and drought tolerance. It is often used as a specimen plant in rock gardens, xeriscapes, and desert-themed landscapes. It thrives in full sun with very low water needs and prefers soils with fast drainage. While it is generally free of serious pests and diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot. It is important to note that this cactus is protected in its native habitat and should not be collected from the wild.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 0.8-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to desert scrub and rocky hillsides in northeastern Mexico and parts of Texas
Other Names
Common Names: Texas Barrel Cactus, Biznaga-Barril Costillona, Gulddjävulstunga
Scientific Names: , Ferocactus hamatacanthus, Ferocactus hamatacanthus var. hamatacanthus, Hamatocactus hamatacanthus var. davisii, Brittonia davisii, Echinocactus haematochroanthus, Echinocactus hamatacanthus var. brevispinus, Echinocactus longihamatus f. brevispinus, Echinocactus longihamatus var. brevispinus, Echinocactus longihamatus var. gracilispinus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ferocactus hamatacanthus (Muehlenpf.) Britton & Rose