Spineless Golden Barrel Cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Native
Argentina (Tucum n).
Description
A globular entity, this green colored cactus has prominent spine-edged surface along with ribs and areoles. This plant differs from the common Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) only for the very short spines. Except for the spines it is identical in shape and size to the standard species. It has a single slowly growing globe-shaped stem that became elongated (barrel-shaped) in maturity, up to 90cm (180cm) in height and spread. This stemis pale green and heavily ribbed with numerous areoles sprouting radial, yellow spines. They normally offset with advanced age and a few multiples occur even at small sizes.
The flowers are produced from end of spring to summer only on larger mature specimens receiving enough full sun. Flower are diurnal, vivid yellow (4-5 cm wide) and form a circular ring at the top of the plant, but are not very visible being small in relation with the size of the barrel, and lost into the creamy coloured wool at the plant apex.
Environment
Like most cacti they're drought tolerant and need very little care and attention to grow well. Not enough sunlight and over-watering are common mistakes.
Plenty of sunshine will keep this cacti more than happy. In a glass room you may have to provide some shade during a hot summers day to prevent sunburn
Feed every 4 weeks with a high potassium fertilizer during summer
Landscape Uses
It is an excellent plant for garden rockery settings, desert type landscapes, patios and botanical gardens
