Coast barrel cactus, Keg cactus, Green-stemmed viznaga, San Diego barrel cactus, Sisal
Ferocactus viridescens

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. Plants usually occur singly. They are 30 cm high and 30 cm wide. They are a flattened round shape. They are a glossy green colour. There are 13-34 ribs. There are 4-9 central spines which are yellow but turn grey. They are 5 cm long. There are 8-25 spines around these. The flowers are broad but bell shaped. They are yellowish green. They are 5 cm long and 6 cm wide. The fruit are green or red but turn yellow. They are 3.5 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are slightly acid and eaten fresh. The flower buds are eaten cooked.

Edible parts

Fruit, flower buds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Echinocactus viridescens Torrer & A. Gray; Echinocactus orcuttii Engel.; Ferocactis orcuttii (Engel.) Britton & Rose; Ferocactus viridescens var. littoralis G.E. Lindsay;