Day 4: Barrel Cactus (Compass Cactus)

          Today, I found another plant, the barrel cactus.  It can be found in the Mojave, Sonora, and the Chihuahua deserts.  The barrel cactus grows in the desert washes and slopes, but can also be spotted growing along canyon walls.  It is distinguished from other cacti because of it cylinder-shaped body.  They usually reach approximately five to eleven feet tall.  They are the largest cacti in the North American deserts!  This cactus has several parallel ridges that run down the sides. These ridges are topped with dangerously sharp 3-4 inch spines.  These control the amount of water in their body, prevent water loss, and allow the plant to survive without water for long periods of time.  The spines are also used as a defense mechanism to protect itself from any predators.  This cactus can be used as provisions.  People also stewed the Barrel Cactus to make a cabbage-like food.  The pulp could also be used to get fresh drinking water and make"cactus candy".  

A Barrel Cactus

-Kiran