Cacti of the month (April, 2006) Ferocactus latispinus

A more in depth look at individual cactus species, a new one is added each month -managed by Hob
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templegatejohn
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Location: Leeds, England

Cacti of the month (April, 2006) Ferocactus latispinus

Post by templegatejohn »

Ferocactus latispinus (haw.) Britton & Rose

Image

Growth Habits: The body of this cactus is globular, or barrel shaped and averages between 10 to 15in. (25 to 40cm). The body is comprised of 14 to 23 ribs and the large areoles are grey to black in colour. There are 4 large central spines, the lowest of the four being wider than the other three. There are six to twelve 1in. long radials

Scientific name: Ferocactus latispinus ssp. latispinus

Common name: Devil’s Tongue Barrel, Crow’s Claw Cactus

Synonym: Bisnaga recurva, Echinocactus corniger, Ferocactus recurvus var. greenwoodii, Echinocactus recurvus, Ferocactus recurvus, Cactus recurvus, Echinocactus nobilis, Ferocactus nobilis, Ferocactus cylindraceus var. greenwoodiae, Echinocactus cornigerus, Cactus latispinus, Cactus nobilis, Bisnaga cornigera, Melocactus latispinus, Echinocactus recurvus var. latispinus, Echinocactus cornigerus, Bisnaga recurva ssp. latispina, Mammillaria latispina, Echinocactus cornigerus,

Etymology: Ferocactus: From the Latin word ferox, meaning fierce and the Greek word kaktos, meaning thistle. Latispinus: From the Latin words latus, meaning broad or wide and spina, meaning thorn or prickle.

Origin: Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon)

Light: This plant, as with virtually all the Ferocactus is very happy to accept all the sunshine you can send its way. However a word of warning, as with most plants that are kept in greenhouses and also kept very close to the glass, the plant may become scorched on a very hot sunny day. Also water droplets that magnify the suns rays can leave marks on the body of the plant.

Compost: Many people have their own favourite compost mix, but any normal free draining compost will suit this plant.

Water: Needs only moderate watering when established.

Flower: Ferocactus latispinus has pinkish purple or yellow flowers, 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter (2.5 to 3.5 cm). They come in late autumn to early winter, and need a fair amount of bright sunlight to form.

Fruit:
The fruit is ovoid, scaly often with floral remains. Usually juicy when ripe.

Min. temp: Most of the information available says 50°f. (10°c.) but I have always kept mine slightly lower at 45°f.

Cultivation:
It is a fairly easy plant to keep as long as you water it in moderation.

Habitat:
Can be found at up to 10,000 feet in the mountains. Usually found growing in poor soil conditions.

Comments: This is a beautiful plant, particularly when young and it is popular with enthusiasts because it blooms while still young. Many plants will flower at 4 inches (10cm.). The colour of the new young spines can be stunning and is very much part of the charm of this plant.
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