Potentially one of the most spectacular barrel cacti, this is sometimes encountered in collections that have long since lost their labels, a testimony to both the desirability and the durability of this red-spined, orange-flowered beauty. It is widespread in north central Mexico and therefore is somewhat variable. The precise origin of the form offered here is uncertain, but the seed was given to C&J Cactus Nursery by Phil Favell of Escondido, CA, who suggested that it was superior to most in cultivation. HBG 93976. $5.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 78 (2), March - April, 2006