Ferocactus

Large, barrel-shaped cacti from northwest Mexico and the southwestern United States belong to the genus Ferocactus. They are distinguished by their large, frequently hooked spines, ribbed stems, and vibrant flowers that bloom at the top of the plant. These desert plants have adapted to the intense heat and dryness by developing shallow roots that take advantage of water flow and spines that shield them from the sun and thirsty animals.