Echinocactus is a genus of cacti in the subfamily Cactoideae. The generic name derives from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echînos), meaning "spiny," and cactus. It and Ferocactus are the two genera of barrel cactus. Members of the genus usually have heavy spination and relatively small flowers. The fruits are copiously woolly, and this is one major distinction between Echinocactus and Ferocactus. Propagation is by seed.
Species As of 2025, the genus includes 3 accepted species out of hundreds of plants having the name. Image Scientific name Common name Distribution Echinocactus × diabolicus (Halda, L.Vacek & Vaško) Janeba Mexico (Zacatecas) Echinocactus horizonthalonius Lem. Devil's Head, Silverbell Cactus, Turk's Head CactusGolden Barrel Cactus southwestern United States and northern Mexico Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto Giant Barrel CactusMexico in the Chihuahuan Desert
Formerly placed here
Astrophytum asterias (Zucc.) Lem. (as E. asterias Zucc.) Aztekium ritteri (Boed.) Boed. (as E. ritteri Boed.) Kroenleinia grusonii (Hildm.) Lodé (as E. grusonii Hildm.) Ferocactus wislizeni (Engelm.) Britton & Rose (as E. wislizeni Engelm.) Lophophora williamsii (Lem. ex Salm-Dyck) J.M.Coult. (as E. williamsii Lem. ex Salm-Dyck) Turbinicarpus subterraneus (Backeb.) A.D.Zimm. (as E. subterraneus Backeb.) Homalocephala Homalocephala parryi Homalocephala polycephala Homalocephala texensis
References
Innes C, Wall B (1995). Cacti, Succulents and Bromeliads. Cassell & The Royal Horticultural Society.
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment: Echinocactus Cactus-mall.com: "Lost Peyotls"