Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
macrocephalus
ID:
661315

Status:
valid

Authors:
Muehlenpf.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1846

Citation Micro:
in Allg. Gartenzeitung 14: 370. 1846.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000660647

Common Names

  • Echinocactus Macrocephalus
  • Big-Headed Cactus
  • Big-Headed Barrel Cactus

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Description

Echinocactus macrocephalus (also called the Big-Headed Barrel Cactus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It is a globose cactus with a solitary stem, up to 30 cm in diameter, with 12-20 ribs, each with a few yellowish-brown spines. It is found in rocky areas, in dry shrublands and in grasslands.

Uses & Benefits

Echinocactus macrocephalus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in cut flower arrangements. The plant is drought tolerant and is easy to care for.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Echinocactus macrocephalus is yellow and funnel-shaped, with a diameter of about 5 cm. The seed is small, round and black. The seedlings have a globular shape and are covered with small spines.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Echinocactus macrocephalus is a cactus that can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. Propagation is usually done by seed or by cuttings. Plant the seeds in the spring, at a depth of 1/4 inch, and water well. The cactus will produce flowers in the summer.

Where to Find Echinocactus macrocephalus

Echinocactus macrocephalus can be found in the deserts of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Echinocactus macrocephalus FAQ

What is the common name of Echinocactus macrocephalus?

Golden Barrel Cactus

What is the size of Echinocactus macrocephalus?

It can reach up to 1.5m in height and 2m in width

What is the habitat of Echinocactus macrocephalus?

It is found in arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States

Species in the Echinocactus genus

Echinocactus acanthion, Echinocactus adversispinus, Echinocactus amazonicus, Echinocactus armatissimus, Echinocactus aureicentrua, Echinocactus brachycentrus, Echinocactus candidus, Echinocactus centeterius, Echinocactus cereiformis, Echinocactus cristatus, Echinocactus debilispinus, Echinocactus elegans, Echinocactus ellemeetii, Echinocactus flexuosus, Echinocactus fluctuosus, Echinocactus foersteri, Echinocactus griseispinus, Echinocactus hemifossus, Echinocactus hexacanthus, Echinocactus hexaedrus, Echinocactus heyderi, Echinocactus horizonthalonius, Echinocactus hystrichocentrus, Echinocactus intricatus, Echinocactus jenischianus, Echinocactus lancifer, Echinocactus lindleya, Echinocactus linkeanus, Echinocactus macrocephalus, Echinocactus mammillifer, Echinocactus mariposensis, Echinocactus mutabilis, Echinocactus neumannianus, Echinocactus ochroleucus, Echinocactus octacanthus, Echinocactus pachycentrus, Echinocactus pepinianus, Echinocactus phyllantoides, Echinocactus platyacanthus, Echinocactus praegnacanthus, Echinocactus pseudocereus, Echinocactus pulverulentus, Echinocactus pyramidalis, Echinocactus pyramidatus, Echinocactus quadrinatus, Echinocactus rapa, Echinocactus raphidacanthus, Echinocactus raphidocentrus, Echinocactus rotherianus, Echinocactus salmii,

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,