About Ferocactus fordii (Orcutt) Britton & Rose
Ferocactus fordii (Orcutt) Britton & Rose. The nominate variety, Ferocactus fordii var. fordii, is a relatively small barrel cactus that usually grows no taller than 40 cm (16 in). It has simple stems that range from depressed globose to short-cylindric in shape, with 21 ribs. Each areole holds approximately 21 spines; 4 of these are stout, flattened, gray central spines arranged in a cross pattern. Its flowers range in color from orchid to rose purple, blooming from March to April. After flowering, they develop into oval pink to yellow fruits. Ferocactus fordii is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula, which spans two Mexican states, and grows along the Pacific Coast. Its range extends from the area around San Quintín, Baja California, south to Guerrero Negro on the Vizcaíno Peninsula in far northern Baja California Sur, and the species also grows on Isla San Martín and Isla Natividad. When the variety grandiflorus is included, the species' range extends further south to Bahía Tortugas and Punta Abreojos. In cultivation, this cactus requires protection under glass.
