Ferocactus histrix aka Candy Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus histrix is a barrel cactus native to central-eastern Mexico. It belongs to the cactus family, Cactaceae. Its names include electrode cactus and candy barrel cactus. It grows in dry scrub, oak woods, and foothill scrub. Its range includes parts of Durango, Jalisco, Hidalgo, and Veracruz. People grow it as an ornamental and harvest it for food.

This slow-growing plant forms one stem, with few or no branches. Young stems are round; older ones form a short column. One source lists a height of 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. Botanical accounts give an upper height of 3.6 feet [1.1 metres]. Stems span about 1.6–2 feet [0.5–0.6 metres] across. Some reach 2.6 feet [0.8 metres] wide. The blue-green stem has a sunken, woolly top. It bears 20–40 ribs, sometimes more. Thick yellow spines turn brown as they age. The stout lower central spine can curve down a little.

The bell-shaped flowers are bright yellow, with some reddish tones. They reach about 0.08 feet [0.025 metres] across. Bees visit the flowers and carry pollen between them. The cactus needs pollen from another plant to reproduce. Its short, fleshy fruits are pinkish and hold tiny brown seeds. Ripe fruits may split at the tip, releasing seeds in liquid. Plants can begin flowering at about 0.5–0.6 feet [0.15–0.18 metres] across.

It needs hot summers and a dry climate to thrive. Grow it in rich soil that drains well. Water during summer, but let the soil dry between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn as growth slows. Wet soil can cause rot. Water on the stem in sun can cause burns and fungal damage. A cool winter rest helps it flower. Dormant plants may survive brief cold near 23°F [-5°C]. Keeping winter temperatures above 41°F [5°C] gives safer results. Growers raise new plants from seed.

People cook the flower buds and flowers for food. Raw buds can taste bitter. They also eat ripe fruits raw or cooked and make drinks from them. Stem flesh supplies a traditional candy, but harvesting it destroys mature plants. Commercial candy must come from certified cultivated plants. The species also has recorded medicinal use, without details here. The supplied account reports no known hazards. A 2017 assessment listed it as Near Threatened. Heavy harvesting, habitat loss, and grazing hinder its recovery.