Blue barrel cactus
Echinocactus horizonthalonius

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A small cactus. It is usually single but can form small clumps. The stem can be 20 cm across. Some kinds can be 40 cm high. The cactus is round. The spines vary a lot. The flowers are purple-red. They are 5 cm across. The fruit is juicy at first but then becomes dry.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It is best in light sandy, well-drained soils. It needs an open, sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are sliced, candied and used as confections. The pulp of the stems is used to make sweetmeats.

Edible parts

Fruit, stem

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. Seeds germinate poorly. Seedlings grow slowly. Plants can be grown by offsets.

Its other names

Local names

Devil's head cactus, Eagle-claw cactus, Mancacaballo, Mancamula, Melon cactus, Nichol's turk's-head cactus, Turk's-cap cactus, Turk's-head cactus, Viznaga meloncillo

Synonyms

Echinocactus horizonthalonius var. nicholii L.D. Benson; Meyerocactus horizonthalonius subsp. nicholii (L.D. Benson) Doweld; Meyerocactus horizonthalonius (Lemaire) Doweld; Echinocactus horizonthalonius var. subikii Stanik & Drab;