Ferocactus pilosus

English name: Mexican lime cactus/Mexican fire barrel

Latin name: Ferocactus pilosus

Family: Cactus - Cactaceae

Origin: Mexico

The Mexican lime cactus grows up to 3 metres in height and 60 cm. in diameter. Older specimens form numerous suckers. At first its shape is spherical, but it becomes cylindrical with time. The plant has from 15 to 20 ribs with embedded areoles every 3 cm., and red spikes: six to eight along the side, about 2 cm. long, and four in the centre, which can reach 4 cm. in length. In midsummer, orange-red daytime flowers bloom. This species is protected in Mexico, appearing on its national list of endangered species.