Echinocactus is a genus of 6 species in the Cactaceae family native to south western United States and Mexico. The generic name comes from the Greek word echinos, meaning 'spiny', and cactus. Together with Ferocactus, they are the two genera of barrel cactus. The species in this genus have some noticeably distinguishable features, such as large spines, well defined ribs, an overall barrel shape with relatively small, yellow or pink flowers being borne out of an area at the apex of the plant that is covered in a dense fuzzy wool, followed by woolly, fleshy or dry fruits. Propagation is by seed. 
The most well known, easily grown and widely cultivated species, Echinocactus grusonii, or Golden Barrel cactus, is nearly extinct in the wild and only occurs in a very small area, which contrasts from the rest of the genus in that the rest of the genus are more widespread and less common in cultivation. Echinocactus polycephalus for example, is notoriously difficult to grow. Echinocactus species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. 
Echinocactus grusonii is probably one of the best known species of cactus and is widely cultivated. Sadly it is almost extinct in nature occurring only in a small area in central Mexico from San Luis Potosi to Hidalgo. Common Names include, Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Ball or, amusingly, Mother-in-Law's Cushion. This species should not be confused with Notocactus leninghausii which have fuzzy, harmless spines and is also called Golden Ball. As the common name suggests, they are round, spherical, or barrel shaped. They have many well defined ribs lined with large sharp spines which are yellow to white in colour. Younger plants do not resemble older plants in that the ribs are not noticeable and look more like knobs in younger plants. When plants are about 20 years old, they will start to produce small yellow flowers from the fluffy crown. Cultivation is best done from seed and they are considered to be easy to grow. The plants are also relatively fast growing in cactus terms. It is a popular architectural plant in garden design and is used widely in landscaping. They should be watered very sparingly in winter and must not be allowed to sit in wet soil, otherwise they will rot. As with most cacti they require a well drained sandy soil to grow in.
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