Common Name:

General Information

Ferocactus robustus is a spiny, succulent, evergreen, barrel cactus, producing large clusters of globose to club-shaped stems; individual stems are around 8 - 16cm in diameter, clumps are up to 100cm tall and 5 metres in diameter[].
It is used as an ornamental plant and for food. Individuals are extracted from the wild for these purposes, but this is not thought to be a major threat[].
Ferocactus robustus has a narrow distribution, is found in less than ten locations, is not common even in areas in which it does occur, and is experiencing ongoing decline as a consequence of habitat loss. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - southwest Mexico (Puebla, Oaxaca)

Habitat

Xerophyllous scrub, usually on plains; at elevations from 1,500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ferocactus robustus requires an arid or semi-arid climate with hot summers if it is to thrive, but it can tolerate occasional, short-lived frosts, being known to tolerate temperatures falling to about -6°c[].

Edible Uses

The plant is used for food[]. No more details.

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[].

We have no more 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 generally much utilised for food by native peoples. These uses are likely to include:-
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 seeds are rich in oil and protein, and can be ground into an oily paste[].
The stems of barrel cacti are traditionally baked in a pit, and the cooked pulp sliced and eaten[].
The candied pulp of the stem of various barrel cacti makes an excellent sweetmeat, which is much used in Mexico and the southwestern United States, and is sold in the eastern United States as ‘cactus candy’[].
The fresh fruits are edible, but very acidic or sour[]. The yellow, globose, fleshy fruit of this species is around 20 - 30mm long[].

Medicinal

None known

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 -
The species has low germination rates, which is a critical problem for sexual regeneration, and it also produces a low number of seeds[].

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