Status:
valid
Authors:
Monv.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
Citation Micro:
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001288466
Common Names
- Echinocactus melanacanthus
- Black-spined Barrel Cactus
- Black-spined Ball Cactus
Description
Echinocactus melanacanthus (also called Melanacanthus cactus, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It is a globose cactus, growing up to 30 cm in diameter, with a dense covering of yellow spines. It grows in rocky, desert habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Echinocactus melanacanthus is used as an ornamental plant, and is often grown in gardens and containers. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Echinocactus melanacanthus is yellow and has a diameter of about 4 cm. The seed is small and black. The seedlings are small and have a light green color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinocactus melanacanthus is a slow-growing cactus that requires well-draining soil and full sun. Propagation is done through seed or offsets. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until germination. Offsets can be removed from the mother plant and planted in a separate pot.
Where to Find Echinocactus melanacanthus
Echinocactus melanacanthus is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
Echinocactus melanacanthus FAQ
What is the natural habitat of Echinocactus melanacanthus?
Echinocactus melanacanthus is native to Mexico.
What is the size of Echinocactus melanacanthus?
Echinocactus melanacanthus can grow up to 8 inches in diameter.
What is the water requirement of Echinocactus melanacanthus?
Echinocactus melanacanthus requires minimal water and should be watered only when the soil is completely dry.
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,