Description
This plant differs from the common Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) for the spines that are stout but intermediate in length between the standard from and the short spined type Echinocactus grusonii var. subinermis (“brevispinus”) . Except for the spines it is identical in shape and size to the standard species. It has a single slowly growing globe-shaped stem that became elongated (barrel-shaped) in maturity, up to 90 cm (180 cm) in height and spread. This stem is pale green and heavily ribbed with numerous areoles sprouting radial, yellow spines. They normally offset with advanced age and a few multiples occur even at small sizes.
Flowers: The flowers are produced from end of spring to summer only on larger mature specimens receiving enough full sun. Flower are diurnal, vivid yellow (4-5 cm wide) and form a circular ring at the top of the plant, but are not very visible being small in relation with the size of the barrel, and lost into the creamy coloured wool at the plant apex.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Frost tender but resistant to very dry conditions, Cold hardiness increases with improved drainage, so keep plants as dry as possible in winter. They grow best in well-drained soil and in a position with full sun, which will help to maintain the lustre of the spines and longevity of the flowers. Provide the plant with extremely well-drained soils, as the plants are subject to crown and soft rot if they remain too moist. Besides, it performs wonderfully in containers, Container media should be coarse as well. Young plants are prone to mealy bug and red spider mite.
Propagation: Propagate from cuttings, graft or seed.
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