Echinocactus

Echinocactus
Echinocactus platyacanthus in cultivation
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Echinocactus
Link & Otto
Type species
Echinocactus platyacanthus
Species

See text

Synonyms

Brittonrosea Speg.
Echinofossulocactus Lawr.

Echinocactus is a genus of cacti in the subfamily Cactoideae. The generic name derives from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echînos), meaning "spiny," and cactus. It and Ferocactus are the two genera of barrel cactus. Members of the genus usually have heavy spination and relatively small flowers. The fruits are copiously woolly, and this is one major distinction between Echinocactus and Ferocactus. Propagation is by seed.

Species

As of 2025, the genus includes 3 accepted species out of hundreds of plants having the name.[citation needed]

ImageScientific nameCommon nameDistribution
Echinocactus × diabolicus (Halda, L.Vacek & Vaško) JanebaMexico (Zacatecas)
Echinocactus horizonthalonius Lem.Devil's Head, Silverbell Cactus, Turk's Head CactusGolden Barrel Cactussouthwestern United States and northern Mexico
Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & OttoGiant Barrel CactusMexico in the Chihuahuan Desert

Formerly placed here

References

  1. 1 2 "Genus: Echinocactus Link & Otto". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. 2004-02-13. Archived from the original on 2012-10-09. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  2. ↑ "GRIN Species Records of Echinocactus". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2010-11-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)