Ferocactus robustus

Description

Ferocactus robustus is a barrel cactus in the genus Ferocactus of the family Cacteae. Ferocactus robustus is widespread in the states of Puebla and Veracruz in Mexico. Ferocactus robustus forms large cushions reaching a height up to 100 centimetres (39 in) and a diameter up to 5 metres (16 ft). This plant is spherical to club-shaped and has eight sharp-edged ribs. The funnel-shaped flowers are yellow and reach a length of 3–4 centimetres (1.2–1.6 in). The fruits are spherical, fleshy, yellow, 2 to 3 inches long. Ferocactus is a genus of large barrel-shaped cacti, mostly with large spines and small flowers. There are about 30 species included in the genus. They are found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The young specimens are columnar but as they grow older ribs form and they take on a barrel form. Most of the species are solitary but some, such as Ferocactus robustus and F. glaucescens, have clustering habits. The flowers are pink, yellow, red or purple depending on the species, and the petals sometimes have a stripe of a darker colour.