Giant barrel cactus, Giant viznaga, Large barrel cactus
Echinocactus platyacanthus

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It grows 2.4 m tall and spreads 90 cm wide. It has a single stem. It is round when young but then grows like a tall column. It has up to 60 ribs. These have strong spines along them. The spines are 8 cm long. The flowers are yellow-green and 5 cm long by 8 cm across. The fruit are oblong and yellowish. They are 5-7 cm long.

Where it is found

It grows best in light to medium, well-drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is resistant to frost and drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Brisbane Botanical gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The candied pulp of the stems is eaten as a sweet or used to flavour meat or desserts. The stem is cut into pieces and boiled with sugar until it crystallizes. This is then eaten or added to pastries and cakes. The cut pieces are often allowed to dry for 2 days.

Edible parts

Stem, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Biznaga burra, Biznaga de dulce, Biznaga Gigante, Burra

Synonyms

Echinocactus grandis Rose; Echinocactus helophorus Lemaire; Echinocactus ingens Zuccarini ex Pfeiffer; Echinocactus karwinskii Zuccarini; Echinocactus palmeri Rose; Echinocactus visnaga W.J. Hooker; and others