Ferocactus emoryi aka Covill's Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus emoryi is a barrel cactus in the Cactaceae family. Common names include Emory's barrel cactus and traveler's friend. Its native range runs from Arizona into northern Mexico. It grows in low deserts, including Sonora in Mexico. Wild plants occupy slopes, flats, mesas, and the edges of washes. They grow among rocks, gravel, and sand in desert scrub. Ranching has reduced its range in some places. LLIFLE reports no broad decline and records plants in protected areas.

The blue-green stem starts round and becomes a thick column. Plants usually grow alone unless damage affects the growing tip. RHS gives a garden height of 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Its listed spread reaches 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. LLIFLE records stems reaching 3.3 feet [1 metre] across. Plants can take 10–20 years to reach their mature size. Young stems have cone-shaped bumps, each bearing a cluster of spines. With age, the stem develops deep ribs. Oval areoles carry brown wool and stout, rigid spines. Spine colours range from red to grey-red or pale brown. The central spine can curve or hook on young plants.

Flowers form broad funnels in red, yellow, or pale orange. They can span about 0.25 feet [0.075 metres]. RHS places flowering in summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists blooms from July through October. Yellow, egg-shaped fruits follow the flowers and remain on the plant. They contain small black seeds. Birds and rodents break into the fruit and eat seeds. Bees and butterflies carry pollen between plants. Ants feed on nectar near the top of the stem. They may help guard new growth against other insects.

Grow this cactus in full sun with soil that drains well. RHS accepts sandy or loamy soil across a broad pH range. For pots, it recommends peat-free, loam-based compost with added grit. Water moderately during growth, then stop watering during dormancy. Apply balanced liquid feed two or three times during growth. RHS rates it H2 and recommends growing under glass. Chicago lists USDA zones 8–11, a different hardiness assessment.

The plant serves as a specimen or greenhouse subject. It needs no pruning, and growers can raise it from seed. Mealybugs may attack it, though RHS reports few disease problems. LLIFLE records past Seri food and medicinal uses. It does not identify edible parts or establish toxicity.