About Ferocactus uncinatus (Galeotti) Britton & Rose
Ferocactus uncinatus usually grows as a solitary plant. It produces bluish-green shoots that range from spherical to cylindrical in shape, measuring 18 to 27 cm (7.1 to 10.6 in) in height and 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) in diameter. The cactus has around 13 wavy ribs with prominent tubercles, separated by sharp deep furrows. It bears 1 to 5 central spines, which are hook-shaped, yellow with reddish tips, 8 to 13 cm (3.1 to 5.1 in) long, and oriented upwards or obliquely outwards. There are 7 to 10 radial spines, 2.5 to 5 cm (0.98 to 1.97 in) long; upper radial spines are flat and brightly colored, while lower radial spines are hook-shaped and tinged somewhat purple. The species produces funnel-shaped, reddish-brown flowers that grow from areole furrows. The flowers measure 2 to 4 cm (0.79 to 1.57 in) long and 2.5 to 3 cm (0.98 to 1.18 in) in diameter. This cactus occurs in southern Texas, United States, and the Mexican states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. It grows in scrub vegetation on limestone or calcareous soils, at elevations between 900 and 1550 meters.
