California barrel cactus
Ferocactus cylindraceus

Family: Cactaceae.

Type: Perennial plant.

Leaves: Leaves are modified into spines that curl around the barrel.

Twig: Grows as a single barrel, usually unbranched. The barrel is green and photosynthetic. It has ribs that allow the barrel to expand and contract with the amount of water it stores. The ribs may also contribute to self-shading.

Fruit & Flower: Flowers are big and showy.

Miscellaneous: No other comments.





All photos and text ©2008 Ben Haller. Permission is granted to use and reproduce these photos for any non-commercial or non-profit use as long as this original copyright notice is retained.