Echinocactus platyacanthus
| Echinocactus platyacanthus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactaceae |
| Tribe: | Cacteae |
| Genus: | Echinocactus |
| Species: | E. platyacanthus |
| Binomial name | |
| Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto | |
Echinocactus platyacanthus, also known as the giant barrel cactus, giant viznaga, or biznaga de dulce,[2] is a species of cactus (family Cactaceae). It is native to central Mexico in the Chihuahuan Desert.[1] This species is the largest of the barrel cacti. Their hairs are often used for weaving in Mexico and used to produce a traditional candy by boiling the pith.
Description
This slow-growing species can reach sizes to 2.5 metres (8.2 ft) tall to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) wide and can live over a hundred years. Their stems are a gray-ish blue color and the straight, rigid spines are black. The apex of the cactus is flat and covered with a yellow felt-like substance. They're heavily ribbed and have large areoles. Their diurnal, tubular flowers bloom at the end of spring to summer and are a vivid yellow color, they grow about 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in height and 3 centimetres (1.2 in) broad.[3] The fruit is about 3 centimetres (1.2 in) long and is covered by a hairy wool.[4]
Gallery
Echinocactus platyacanthus at 16 days
At 14 cm
Inflorescence
In natural habitat
References
- 1 2 "Echinocactus platyacanthus". IUCN Redlist. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "Giant Barrel Cactus, Biznaga Gigante Echinocactus platyacanthus". Dave's Garden. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "Echinocactus platyacanthus". CACTUS ART NURSERY. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
- ↑ "Echinocactus ingens". Cactus Art. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
External links
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