Echinocactus Grusonii
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This is the
definitive barrel cacti, hence the most common name golden balls.
Best suited for formal and mixed succulent planting, it is noted
for its beauty, robust nature and attractive presentation both
in flower or not. It is long-lived and drought resistant. Like
bonsai plants it appreciates in value with age and can be handed
down as an heirloom.
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They are
often referred to as Golden Balls, Golden Barrels and Mother-in-laws
Cushions. They originally come from Central Mexico and are superb
desert plants requiring low maintenance.
Size and
Growth Rates
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They can
reach 1metre in height in 100 years under excellent conditions.
At full maturity they are globose to oval in shape with clumps
of pups (off-shoots) at the base. They are generally solitary
plants but do come in 2, 3 and 4 multi-headed forms from seed.
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Under good
conditions with strong stock, suitable soil and nutrients they
will reach the following sizes in the garden from seed.
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Plant
Characteristics
- Round compact
and covered with rows of even spines in clusters
- Up to 35
pronounced ribs with age with a thick tough skin
- Spines yellow
to white. 8 to 10 radial and 3 to 5 central in each cluster
- Felted areoles
around spines and white woolen growing center with age
- Rings of
yellow 4 to 6cm flowers annually near crown flowering through
summer by day and open for days
- Retains old
flower buds and seed pods to form concentric growth rings
- Pale to dark
green skin across surface, even in colour
- Selected
stock withstands temperatures from 0 degrees to full summer
- Concave apex
with age
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Common
Names
Golden
Balls -· Echinocactus Grusonii - Barrel Cacti - Golden Barrels
- Mother-in-Laws Cushions
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