Mexican Fruit Cactus (Ferocactus hamatacanthus): A Hook-Spined Barrel with Edible Fruit

Ferocactus hamatacanthus, the Mexican Fruit Cactus, Texas Barrel, or Turks Head Barrel, is a large, solitary barrel cactus with prominent, hooked central spines (hence "hamatacanthus") and numerous radial spines. It produces large, yellow flowers with red mid-stripes, followed by fleshy, edible fruits that are a traditional food source. This Texas/Mexico native is a striking, functional plant for arid landscapes.