Back
Kroenleinia grusonii (Hildm.) Lodé
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Echinocactus grusonii |
| Common Name: | Golden Barrel Cactus, Golden Ball |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded |
| Maximum Height | 1 m |
| Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Barrel-shaped cactus that reaches up to 0.9 m wide after a few decades, but occasionally grows up to 1.8 m wide. |
|---|---|
| Stems | Light green stem is initially ball shaped, but later elongates and becomes barrel-shaped at maturity. When grown in full sun, the stem becomes densely covered in golden-coloured spines. |
| Flowers | Yellow flowers (4 cm wide) form a ring at the crown, being partly submerged in a mass of wool-like hairs. Plants begin to flower after becoming at least 0.35 m wide. |
| Fruit | Pods produce numerous, tiny black seeds (1 mm wide). |
| Habitat | This species is critically endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection. However, it is commonly propagated in the nursery trade. |
| Cultivation | It will grow well indoors on a bright windowsill, but it must be grown in full sun to flower and develop golden-coloured spines. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: Mature specimens grow towards the south or southwest to avoid the sun's most intense rays. Some desert travelers use this species as a compass. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Golden Garden, Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
Foliar
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Trumpet-shaped |
References
| References | Anderson, Miles. 2000. The World Encyclopedia of Cacti & Succulents. China: Anness Publishing Limited. 256 pages |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 686 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1981 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
