Ferocactusis a genus of largebarrel-shapedcacti, mostly with large spines and small flowers. There are about 30 species included in the genus. They are found in the southwestern United States and north-western Mexico.

Ferocactus hamatacanthus is a barrel cactus in the genus Ferocactus belonging to the family Cacteae. Ferocactus hamatacanthus is widespread in the Chihuahuan Desert of North-western Mexico, New Mexico, and Southwestern Texas. Ferocactus hamatacanthus forms to be solitary, usually a globular to oblong shape, and grows up to 60 centimetres . This plant contains 13 ribs normally, but can sometimes be around 17. These ribs of the cactus are strongly tubercled and are generally 2 centimetres to 3 centimetres high. Its aeroles are large and 1 centimetre to 3 centimetres apart. This cactus’ flowers are large, usually 7 centimetres to 8 centimetres, and display a yellow colour with an inner scarlet colour in some forms. This cactus also produces a fruit that is oblong, 2 centimetres to 5 centimetres long, fleshy, edible, and a dark brown to drab-colour (not red). In addition to these features, its seeds are pitted. The fruit of this species is thin and the flesh is very juicy and edible, reminiscent of kiwis in flavour.

USDA Zone – 9

Season to Sow – Spring