Thelocactus setispinus
(Miniature Barrel Cactus)
Thelocactus setispinus, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Travis Co. 9582
Thelocactus setispinus, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Travis Co. 9583
Thelocactus setispinus, Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Travis Co. 9579
| Scientific Name | Thelocactus setispinus (Hamatocactus bicolor, Ferocactus setispinus, Echinocactus setispinus) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | THSE5 |
| Common Name | Fishhook Cactus, Miniature Barrel Cactus, Twisted-rib Cactus | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 505468 |
| Family | Cactaceae (Cactus) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Dry areas on hills and flats in grasslands and thickets. Plant: Low-growing, solitary cactus 4 to 8 inches tall and 4 inches wide; green ovoid or cylindrical stems with 12-15 oblique or twisted ribs 1/2 to almost 3/4-inch tall. Spines: Central spines (1 to 3), one is strongly-hooked, all smooth, 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches long, straw colored or reddish-brown with lighter tips; nearly straight radial spines up to 1-1/2 inches long, straw color or white or brown, 9 to 17 per areole. Inflorescence: Yellow flowers 1-1/2 to 2-1/4 inches across at the top of the stems, petals red at the center; numerous yellow stamens surround yellow stigma lobes. Bloom Period: Summer to fall. References: LLIFLE encyclopedia, Hamatocactus bicolor in "Cacti of Texas" by Powell, Weedin and Powell, and Ferocactus setispinus in "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston. |
BONAP Distribution Map Hamatocactus bicolorMap Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024