Devilshead
ExplorePlants
Devilshead
Echinocactus horizonthalonius
The Devilshead is a unique cactus that looks like a little green ball with spines! It grows in the desert and can survive in very hot weather, making it a special plant for dry places.
Habitat: Desert
Appearance
The Devilshead is a striking, solitary, globe-shaped cactus, ranging from blue-green to grayish-green. It has prominent, sharply angled ribs topped with stout, reddish-brown to black spines that often curve. Its vibrant pink to magenta flowers emerge from the crown, making it visually distinct.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusEchinocactus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name and spines, the small, tart, red fruits are safe for humans to eat!
Its scientific name "Echinocactus" means "spiny cactus," perfectly describing its tough exterior!
The Devilshead's beautiful pink flowers often only open for a single day before closing again!
These amazing cacti can live for over 100 years, making them ancient desert dwellers!
Special abilities
Ability
Accordion Stem
Devilshead has a ribbed stem that expands and contracts like an accordion to store vast amounts of water during droughts.
Ability
Thorny Armor
Devilshead has long, hooked spines that create a formidable defense, deterring hungry desert animals from eating it.
Ability
Waxy Sunscreen
Devilshead has a thick, waxy coating on its skin that reflects harsh sunlight and significantly reduces water loss.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-25 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 4-7 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Cactus bee
Diadasia enavata
main pollinator of its flowers
eaten by
Collared peccary
Pecari tajacu
occasionally eats the cactus pads and fruits
eaten by
White-throated woodrat
Neotoma albigula
consumes fruits and sometimes cactus tissue
symbiotic with
Creosote bush
Larrea tridentata
often shares its arid desert habitat
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Be careful not to touch the spines, as they can be sharp!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Devilshead?
10-25 cm
How wide does Devilshead spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Devilshead?
4-7 cm
When does Devilshead bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Devilshead edible?
Yes
Is Devilshead toxic?
None
What is Devilshead's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Devilshead pollinated?
Insect
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