Appearance
"Ferocactus cylindraceus" is usually cylindrical or spherical, usually found in clusters with some older specimens forming columns grow up to 50 centimeters in diameter and 3 metres in height. The stem has 18 to 27 distinct ribs and is covered in long, plentiful spines, which are straight and red when new and become curved and gray as they age. Each areola typically contains four to seven central spines that are 5 to 15 centimeters long, as well as 15 to 25 radial spines resembling strong hairs.The cactus bears funnel-shaped flowers that are maroon outside, and bright yellow inside, with red tints and yellow centers on the side that faces the sun, measuring 3 to 6 centimeters in length and 4 to 6 centimeters in diameter. The fleshy, hollow fruits are spherical, yellow, and about 3 centimeters long.
Distribution
This cactus is native to the eastern Mojave Desert and western Sonoran Desert Ecoregions in: Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah in the Southwestern United States; and Baja California, and Sonora state in Northwestern Mexico.Status
Having a sculptural form and picturesque qualities, this already uncommon cactus is threatened by plant collectors. It is also losing habitat to clearing for new wind farms and solar power plants in the Mojave Desert and Colorado Desert.;Protected areas with notable populations include:
⤷ Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
⤷ Joshua Tree National Park
⤷ Mojave National Preserve
⤷ Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument
Habitat
It is found in gravelly, rocky, or sandy soils, in Creosote Bush Scrub and Joshua Tree Woodland habitats, from 60–1,500 metres in elevation.References:
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