Common Name:

General Information

Ferocactus histrix is a spiny, succulent, evergreen, barrel cactus, usually producing a single, depressed-globose to short-cylindrical stem that can be up to 110cm tall and 80cm in diameter[].
This species is probably one of the two most economically important barrel cacti growing in Mexico (the other is Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto). The plant is widely exploited from the wild as a food and medicine, and is also removed from the wild to be grown as an ornamental. The flower buds are especially popular as a food, being sold in local markets, the fruits are also sold there, and there is a large industry making candy from the flesh of the stems. The importance of this species increases with the aridity of the land in which it grows and the inadequacy of this land for agriculture[].
Ferocactus histrix has clearly undergone a significant population decline in the last 30 to 100 years (one generation is estimated to be at least 30 years) as a result of widespread over-collection of mature individuals, flowers and fruits, coupled with the loss of plants through clearance of habitat for urban expansion. The use of this species for food has also resulted in diminished potential for re-establishment because of the removal of flowers and seeds which is further exacerbated by over-grazing by cattle and goats. The percentage reduction is not known with any certainty, but given the levels of usage over much of the range, it seems reasonable to suspect that there has been more than a 20% population reduction over the past 100 years. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - central Mexico (Aguascalientes, Durango, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Zacatecas)

Habitat

Xerophyllous scrub, oak forests and submontane scrub; at elevations from 1,200 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ferocactus histrix is a plant of arid and semi-arid regions of central Mexico, where it is known to tolerate short periods with temperatures dipping a little below 0°c[]. However, it requires hot summers and a dry climate if it is to flourish.
The Mexican Authorities have taken steps to reduce the impacts of over-collection on the wild population. The species is protected by law, and the candy made from the stems may only be sold commercially if it is from certified cultivated plants. There is also a commercial substitute available for making similar candy and this may help to reduce the pressure on the wild population[].
This was one of the most abundant barrel cactus species, however, the population is suspected to be in serious decline due to over-exploitation and the current population size is unknown. In addition to the direct exploitation, goats and cattle degrade the restricted microhabitats reducing the germination and establishment of plants. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the population size, in particular in overgrazed areas. The density of the plant is also reduced up to one-third in disturbed sites compared to more pristine-adjacent sites[].
The development of an adult plant from seed takes decades, but a much faster growth can be achieved with stems produced by branching when the apical meristem is disturbed[].

Edible Uses

The mature floral buds - cooked[, ]. The cooked buds and flowers have a flavour somewhat like that of Brussels sprouts. Sometimes the buds were eaten fresh, although they are bitter unless cooked[]. The buds, known as 'cabuches', are widely eaten in southern Zacatecas and in San Luis Potosí states, where thy are fried or boiled with red chilli peppers[].

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Of good quality[]. Known as 'borrachitos', 'biznaguitas' or 'jarritos', the ripe fruits are commonly consumed by the local people and are sold in local markets throughout the range of the species[].
The fruits are used to prepare a non-alcoholic beverage called 'agua de biznaga', and also to make ices, known as 'popsicles' or 'paletas de biznaga'[, ]. for commercial sale in various parts of Mexico[]..
The fermented fruits are used to make alcoholic beverages[].

The parenchyma (the fleshy material in the stems) is used in confectionery to make a candy[]. The fleshy parenchyma tissue of the stem is removed, cut into pieces, and boiled 2 - 3 hours. An equal amount of white or brown sugar is slowly added, and the material further boiled for a day or two until the mass has become a viscous, taffy-like substance. It is removed from the pot and air dried into the candy. This sweet concoction may be eaten as is, or used in pastries and tamales[].

The seeds are rich in oil and protein, and can be ground into an oily paste[].

The liquid obtained by crushing the pulp inside the stem can be used as an emergency source of fluid[, , ]. It is said to be at least refreshing, though unpleasant and slimy to the taste[]

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but members of this genus are a valuable resource in the dry regions where they are native, and they are often utilised by native peoples. These uses are likely to include:-
The plants have been used as cooking vessels. The interior is scooped out and mashed, and the liquid thus obtained replaced in the cavity and heated with hot stones, after which food is placed in the liquid and cooked[].
Several species develop tough spines and, after straightening out the tips and reducing the thicker part, these can be used as toothpicks and needles for knitting stockings etc[].

Propagation

Seed -

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