Ferocactus peninsulae

Ferocactus peninsulae is a barrel cactus in the Cactaceae family. It comes from Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Kew places its native range in south-central and southern Baja California. LLIFLE describes a wider range across both Baja California states. It grows in deserts and dry shrubland. Wild plants occupy rocky ground, sandy sites, and hillsides. They grow from sea level to about 1,476 feet [450 metres].

The plant forms one upright stem, without branches. Young stems may look round or egg-shaped. With age, they become longer and more column-like. Some narrow toward the top or take a club shape. LLIFLE gives a usual height of about 2.3 feet [0.7 metres]. Exceptional plants reach 8.2 feet [2.5 metres]. The stem can spread to 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] across. Its skin has a dark blue-green tone. Between 12 and 20 sharp-edged ribs run along the stem.

The ribs carry areoles, which bear the spines and flowers. Young areoles have brown felt and a nearly round outline. A narrow section separates the flower-bearing and spine-bearing areas. Four central spines form a cross at each areole. They may be red with yellow tips, grey, or brown. The lowest central spine is flat and has a strong hook. Raised rings mark its surface. Six to 13 radial spines spread around the central group. These may be brown or white, and most are slender. Some lower spines are thicker, more strongly coloured, or twisted.

Flowers can appear from spring through autumn. Each has a broad funnel shape and red-to-yellow colouring. Orange or red lines run along the middle of the flower segments. Flowers measure about 0.16–0.20 feet [0.05–0.06 metres] long. Round, yellowish fruit follows, with broad scales on its surface. Each fruit measures about 0.08–0.11 feet [0.025–0.035 metres] long. The small seeds range from brown to black. Their surfaces show a clear net-like pattern.

Its ribbed shape and hooked spines define its appearance. The supplied species evidence gives no firm cultivation or hardiness limits. It also gives no species-level evidence for human edibility or toxicity. People use wild plants as cattle fodder. LLIFLE reports a falling wild population despite its broad range. Illegal collecting poses the main threat. Urban growth and conversion of habitat to grassland add pressure.