Common name: Barrel Cactus, Candy Barrel, Compass Barrel, Fishhook Barrel Cactus

Scientific name: Ferocactus wislizeni

Description: Squat barrel-shaped cactus with long, curved spines, yellow to orange colored flowers, and yellow fruit.

Dye: None.

Other uses: The Seri and other groups use this particular barrel cactus as an emergency water source; Seris have survived on it for as long as a month. The Tohono O’odham eat the fruit as an emergency food (year-round). The Seri also eat the flowers and buds.

Author

Kimberley A. Ryan, Northern Arizona University Anthropology Laboratories

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