The golden barrel cactus, Echinocactus grusonii, is a globe-shaped cactus that eventually grows tall. Native to Mexico, it bears bright green stems with up to 40 spiked ribs. Contrasting yellow areoles produce golden yellow spines. Bright yellow flowers appear in summer. As a houseplant it works well in a pot as a feature in its own right, or may be grown with other cacti and succulents, particularly those with different leaf colours.
Grow Echinocactus grusonii in well-drained soil or cactus compost, in a well-lit room at room temperature.
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Echinocactus and wildlife
Echinocactus has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
