This time I want to talk to you about the Echinocactus grusonii, also called mother in law's seat, golden ball, golden barrel, or hedgehog cactus. In my home we have one and it is very beautiful, this is what inspired me to tell you about this beautiful species of cactus.

This is a species belonging to the Cactaceae family. The small genus to which it belongs, Echinocactus, along with its relative genus Ferocactus, are commonly known as barrel cacti.

It is endemic to central Mexico, from Tamaulipas to the State of Hidalgo, and despite being one of the most popular cacti in cultivation, it is considered rare and is listed as an endangered species in its wild habitat.

Description:

Cactus with a more or less spherical globular shape. Generally solitary, although basal shoots may sprout from adult specimens. In the wild, it can reach more than 1 m in height, but since it is quite slow growing it can take many years, which is not a problem, given the longevity of this species, more than 100 years. a generation is estimated in 10 years.

Bright green in color, with a flattened apex and yellow fluffiness. It has between 21 and 37 rectilinear, prominent and thin ribs, which cannot be seen in the youngest specimens, since they are divided into conical tubercles. The areolas present yellow woolly when the plant is young, then whitish and finally grayish. They are large and are 1 or 2 cm apart. The radial spines are arranged in number between 8 and 10, and are more than 3 cm in length. The central ones, between 3 and 5, measure about 5 cm; They are strong, striated and straight, although the central ones may be slightly curved downwards.

The flowers appear on the upper areolas of the adult specimens in summer. They arise between the woolly and last 3 days. They measure between 4 and 7 cm in length and 5 cm in diameter, the outer petals are yellowish on the inside and brown on the outside. The internals are yellowish and shiny.

It’s free to use stock photo at will.

Thanks for stopping by to read.