Common Names: Several different species of barrel cactus in AZ, we are not differentiating between the species at this time, which is why the flowers can look different. Ferocactus wislenzii is also known as Arizona Barrel, Compass Barrel (because it points south) & Fish-hook Barrel. F. Acanthodes is known as Red Barrel Cactus.
Habitat:
Flowers: flowers can be orange, yellow or red. 2" wide by 1 1/2" tall. cup-shaped. usual color is light orange. showy flowers ring the top.
Description: approximately barrel-shaped, 2' to 4' tall. flowers become yellow, edible (but tart) fruit that rings the top. Peel before eating. They grow toward the sun in the south. Species are distinguished by their areoles (the needle groups).
Comments: NOT full of water. That's a myth. filled with a slimy, alkaline pulp that's not really worth the effort.