This is the largest red barrel i've ever come across. since i'm 6 feet tall this guy went about 9 feet. notice the next generation on the left. there
were 5 or 6 babies around this giant. anyone got a foto of any others this size? who knows the growth rate/age of these beauties? i'm guessing 150
years old!
Taco de Baja - 7-14-2008 at 08:18 AM
Nice Specimen. But, I'll bet it's A LOT older than that. Several 100 would be my guess. Cacti are very slow growing in their natural habitat.David K - 7-14-2008 at 08:19 AM
That's a tall one for sure! I saw one over 6' tall in Agua Caliente Canyon, on the side slope, but I was alone so couldn't get me in the photo to
compare...
Here is a 'fat' barrel near Parral Canyon in the south end of Valle Chico:
[Edited on 7-14-2008 by David K]
barrel
tehag - 7-14-2008 at 08:41 AM
The Ferocactus family, to which all the barrels belong, is topped by Ferocactus diguetii at up to 4 meters tall. About twice the height of the one in
the photo above. It is only found on the Gulf islands. Norman Robert's Baja California Plant Field Guide, pp 128-29
Barrels do grow very slowly; I have one in my yard that has gained about 12 inches in the 20+ years I've been watching it. It is now 16 inches tall.Martyman - 7-14-2008 at 08:43 AM
DK;
Which one is the cacti?David K - 7-14-2008 at 09:09 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
DK;
Which one is the cacti?
The one with a thorny attitude!Barry A. - 7-14-2008 at 09:09 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Martyman
DK;
Which one is the cacti?
Don't know about you, but I have never seen David wear a prickly overcoat, so I pick the one on the left as the "cactus".
