About Ferocactus macrodiscus (Matt.) Britton & Rose
Ferocactus macrodiscus has a globular body that grows roughly 4 inches (10 cm) high and up to 18 inches (46 cm) wide. Mature individuals typically develop 13 to 21 vertical ribs, which follows the primary Fibonacci series. Its areoles measure 5 to 10 mm long, bearing 1 to 4 central spines that reach 3.5 cm in length, and 6 to 8 radial spines that measure 2 to 3 cm in length. All spines are curved and range in color from yellow to red. This cactus blooms from early spring through summer. It is most notable for its pink flowers, which are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) wide. These flowers hold around 200 tepals arranged in a continuous spiral: the outer tepals are fully formed sepals, and they gradually transition into fully formed petals closer to the flower center. It produces red, spherical fruits that measure 4 cm by 3 cm, and contain dark brown seeds 2 mm long. Ferocactus macrodiscus grows in oak forests and grasslands in the Mexican states of San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Oaxaca, at elevations between 2,300 and 2,600 meters.
