Golden barrel (Echinocactus grusonii) is an attractive bright green cactus covered with lemon-yellow flowers and golden yellow spines that lend the plant its name. The common name of this plant in Spanish is biznaga. One of the most popular cacti in cultivation. Barrel cactus can fall over because they grow based on sun orientation. Scientific name is the name conforming to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). Beyond Central Mexico, Echinocactus grusonii specimens may also be seen in collections of desert plants in many botanical gardens. The Golden Barrel cactus, also known as golden ball cactus with a botanical name Echinocactus is a popular slow growing desert plant known for its remarkable golden spines. Golden Barrel Cactus The golden barrel cactus is a globe shaped type cacti suitable for growing in conservatories, on patios or any other type of indoor glass rooms. Golden Barrel Cactus Echinocactus grusonii. Golden Barrels are hardy to about −8 °C (15 °F) for brief periods. A barrel cactus stores water in their spongy stem, which swells and looks like a barrel, hence the name. Bright yellow flowers, 2 in. … A special trait about the Golden Barrel cacti is that it is usually disease-free. Water Needs. Cultivated usually only grow to around 30 cm. They are diurnal and form a discreet ring at the top of the plant. They may produce round offshoots. The golden barrel cactus forms a single very round globe of often gigantic dimensions: Specimens four feet in diameter are not unusual. The young Echinocactus are often available on the cactus displays in garden centers. Various other barrel cacti include members of the genera Astrophytum, Echinopsis, Neolloydia, Sclerocactus, and Thelocactus. The generic name derives from the Ancient Greek εχινος (echinos), meaning "spiny," and cactus. A must in any desert landscape! wide (5 cm) are produced from late spring to summer on mature specimens receiving enough full sun. Home > Plant Catalog > Golden Barrel Cactus. Golden spines line the ribs of this globe shaped cactus, with the top adorned by bright yellow flowers emerging from a patch of wool. Evergreen. Asked in Houseplants , Taxonomy , Cactus Gardening What is the scientific name for a cactus ? Although it is widely cultivated in nurseries, golden barrel is endangered in its natural environment. Light Needs. This species is also known by the following name(s): Golden Ball Cactus, Mother-in-law's Cushion. Summer. Echinocactus grusonii, popularly known as the golden barrel cactus, golden ball or mother-in-law's cushion, is a well known species of cactus, and is endemic to east-central Mexico. It is rare and endangered in the wild, where it is found near Mesa de León … Feed with a high potassium fertilizer during summer. Generally it has thorns or spines. Cactus grows in extremely dry environment or desert. Drought tolerant. The top of the plant is covered with thick, white wool. Accent/Succulents. Diseases usually occur only as a result of wrong or too well-meant tending, waterlogging being of especially high importance because it quickly leads to root rot in golden barrel cacti. Slowly growing, award-winning Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) forms a pale green, barrel-shaped stem with prominent ribs adorned with areoles sprouting bright golden spines. They look quite different from the mature specimens. This cactus species (Echinocactus grusonii) is very robust in terms of susceptibility to diseases. It and Ferocactus are the two genera of barrel cactus . Opunitieae - genera Opuntia (prickly pear cactus), Pereskiopsis, Pterocactus, Quiabentia, Tacinga.