Ferocactus herrerae
In Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Mexico
Flower details
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Subfamily:	Cactoideae
Genus:	Ferocactus
Species:	F. herrerae
Binomial name
Ferocactus herrerae J.G.Ortega, 1927
Synonyms
Ferocactus wislizeni subsp. herrerae Pilbeam & Bowdery, 2005 Ferocactus wislizeni var. herrerae N.P.Taylor, 1984

Ferocactus herrerae, commonly known as the twisted barrel cactus,^[3][4][5] Herrera's barrel cactus,^[6] or the biznaga^[4] (in Classical Nahuatl), is a species of viviparous barrel cactus in the genus Ferocactus of the family Cactaceae that is native to southwestern Sonora to the northwestern coastline of Sinaloa in western Mexico.^[7] It was described by Mexican botanist, Jesús González Ortega in 1927.^[8] Its common name refers to its twisted, barrel cactus shape habit, with long, hooked, or barbed spines.^[3]

F. herrerae reaches an average height of 2 m (6.56 ft), and 40 cm (15.74 in) in diameter. 7-9 spines, with supposed bristle-like radials. Flowers are yellow, with red-pink midribs and brown tips, blooming from Summer to early Autumn. Fruit are yellow-green and fleshy. Areoles are 2.03 cm long.^[3] It starts out in a globular barrel cactus form and eventually, as it matures, developing into a signature cylindrical barrel cactus form.^[9]

Taxonomy

Ferocactus herrerae was originally listed as a subspecies or variety of Ferocactus wislizeni until it was elevated to full species status based on morphological differences.^[8] The prior treatment is still used by some authors.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

Ferocactus herrerae is native to portions of coastal southwestern Sonora to the northwestern coastline of Sinaloa in western Mexico, at elevations of under 400 m in coastal plains or semi-arid to arid shrubland.^[7] Its range is sometimes said to extend into extreme western Durango.^[8]

In Jardín Botánico La Concepción, Malaga, Andalusia, Spain, showing off offspring or pups

Conservation

Ferocactus herrerae was assessed and listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List (International Union for Conservation of Nature), for agricultural land clearance and conversion, combined with shrimp farming practices have greatly limited populations. Its current population is decreasing at a rate of 30%.^[7] It may also be provided a source of protection from CITES Appendix ll, though this cannot be certain.^[10]

Uses

Ferocactus herrerae is commonly used as an ornamental cactus out of its native range.^[9] Its seeds can be ground into flour, and its fruit are edible,^[11] showing numerous positive nutritional aspects.^[12]

Ecology

Ferocactus herrerae is commonly pollinated by various cactus bee species (Lithurgus spp.).

Gallery

• 
  In Jardín de Cactus, Guatiza, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
• 
  In Jardín de Cactus, Guatiza, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
• 
  In Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Mexico
• 
  As an ornamental cactus
• 
  Detached or curved individual in Guamúchil, Sinaloa, Mexico

References