Hamatocactus hamatacanthus
| Light | Bright light to full sun once established |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in the growing season; keep dry in winter |
| Soil | Gritty, fast-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Fairly cold-hardy when dry; protect from prolonged hard frost |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Hamatocactus hamatacanthus is a medium-sized, ribbed barrel cactus native to Texas and northern Mexico, armed with long, curved hook-like central spines and crowned in summer by big, glossy yellow flowers. Many authors treat it under the genus Ferocactus, as Ferocactus hamatacanthus, and it is variously known as the Turk's head barrel and giant fishhook cactus. For the genus overview, see Hamatocactus.
Description
Hamatocactus hamatacanthus is a solitary, cylindrical to barrel-shaped cactus that reaches a modest size (commonly to around 60 cm tall), taller than it is wide in mature plants. The body is deep green and divided into prominent, wavy ribs bearing large areoles. Its most distinctive feature is the spination: each areole carries a spreading fan of stiff radial spines and one or more long, flexible central spines, at least the longest of which is strongly hooked at the tip — the "fishhook" that gives the plant several of its common names. Spine colour ranges from pale straw through amber to reddish-brown.
Large funnel-shaped flowers open near the crown in summer, glossy yellow and often flushed red or orange in the throat, several centimetres across. They are followed by fleshy fruits. The combination of curving hook spines and generous yellow bloom makes it one of the more ornamental barrels of its range.
Distribution and habitat
The species grows in the Chihuahuan Desert region, from southern and western Texas (and marginally into southern New Mexico) across the Rio Grande and into the northern Mexican states, extending into arid grassland, rocky slopes and desert scrub. It favours gritty, well-drained ground, often among rocks or low shrubs that give a little seasonal shelter. Across such a wide range the plant is fairly variable in size, rib count and spine length, which has contributed to its tangled naming history.
Cultivation
Hamatocactus hamatacanthus is an accommodating barrel for a sunny, well-drained position. Grow it in a gritty, mostly mineral mix and give it strong light — bright indoor light for young plants, working up to full sun outdoors as it establishes. Water moderately through the warm growing season, always letting the mix dry well between waterings, then keep the plant dry through winter. Kept dry, it tolerates considerable cold, but standing wet in cold conditions invites rot, so a completely dry winter rest is the safest approach. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Because the central spines are long and sharply hooked, handle the plant with care — the hooks readily snag skin and clothing — and take extra care when repotting.
Propagation
Seed is the usual and easiest method. Sown on a warm, gritty surface and kept humid, the seed germinates readily, and seedlings grow at a reasonable pace for a barrel cactus. The plant rarely offsets, so vegetative propagation is uncommon. See Propagation — seed for a full walkthrough.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual killer, from overwatering or a poorly draining mix, especially if the plant is watered while cold; the base softens and discolours.
- Etiolation — too little light produces weak, elongated growth and poorly developed spines.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff among the spines and roots) and red spider mites are the common offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Hamatocactus — the genus overview
- Ferocactus — the genus into which this species is often placed
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Repotting · Propagation — seed · Pests and diseases