Barrel Cactus has DELICIOUS FRUITS! - (Ferocactus wislizeni) - The Sonoran Desert (S1E3) Tucson, AZ
Welcome to the third episode of the Powerful Plant Allies SONORAN DESERT documentary series.
The plant that we will be talking about is Barrel Cactus!
Learn about her identification features, edible and culinary uses, as well as the cautions!
I can’t seem to find the Pineapple Upside-down Barrel Cactus recipe! Until then, check out this other awesome recipe I found!
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DISCLAIMER:
The information in this video, about the plants and their uses, is for educational purposes only.
The intention of this video is not to persuade the viewer to use plants as a replacement for consulting with a licensed physician.
The video is not intended to treat or diagnose anyone.
We are not responsible for any problems that may arise from the viewers misidentification and use of wild plants.
YOUR safety is YOUR responsibility.
ALWAYS harvest sustainably! Have respect for the earth and all of her inhabitants.
And remember to always HAVE FUN!
See you next time!
Jack
Echinocactus Visnaga Cactus _ Yr 2013
Scientific Name :- Echinocactus platyacanthus
The Visnaga or Monster Cactus, is today referred to E. platyacanthus
Distribution :- ranges over much of northeast and central Mexico.
Vernacular Names :- Biznaga Gigante, Biznaga de Dulce; Giant Viznaga, monster cactus & Large Barrel
Synonyms :- Echinocactus platyacanthus
Echinocactus ingens
Echinocactus karwinskii
Echinocactus helophorus
Echinocactus palmeri
Echinocactus visnaga is one of the most massive of cacti, up to 1 meter across and 2 - 3 meters high. They can began enormous and a single plant of this species will sometimes weigh a ton. It can dominate a landscape because of its large size and impressive bulk. The plants (which have had several other names assigned to them, including Echinocactus ingens and Echinocactus grandis) often have a somewhat sway-backed, saddle-shaped apex, densely covered in white wool, where their yellow flowers emerge. They also tend to lean to the south or southwest so that the spines can better protect the body of the plant from the harsh desert sun. In fact, desert travellers can use the plant as a compass.
Description :- it is a slowly growing massive barrel cactus, usually solitary, that grows huge in habitat ( up to 2,7 m tall, 1,5 m wide). It could live more than a hundred years. The stem is grey-blue ± tuberculate and nice when small, whilst large plants are heavily ribbed with numerous areoles, forming a continuous line. Spines are black.
Flowers :- from end of spring to summer, only on larger mature specimens receiving enough full sun. They are diurnal, vivid yellow.
Note :- The juvenile Echinocactus look very different from the mature specimens. In fact like the other Echinocactus and Ferocactus seedlings, the rib structure is not yet apparent, and they have pronounced tubercles.
Traditional uses :-
This plant is used to prepare a traditional candy, the pith is boiled with sugar to produce a popular sweet called dulce de biznaga or acitrón. In this case the over collection of wild plants for making cactus candy is the major threat to the survival of this species.
This plants were also used by indigenous peoples of Mexico in many ways, for example the woolly hairs this plant produces have been used as filling fibres and for weaving.
The spines are used by the Mexicans as toothpicks. It has been estimated that a single plant may bear upwards of 50,000 spines.
Culture :- Frost tender but resistant to -4°C for short periods. Cold hardiness increases with improved drainage, so keep plants as dry as possible in winter. They grow best in well-drained soil and a position in full sun, which will help maintain the lustre of the spines and longevity of the flowers. Provide the plant with extremely well-drained soils, as the plants are subject to crown and soft rot if they remain too moist. Besides, they perform wonderfully in containers; Container media should be coarse as well. Young plants are prone to mealy bug and red spider mite. Propagate from seed.
Cactus Candy featured on Unwrapped
Unwrapped is hitting the road in this episode of Unwrapped and uncovering touristy treats. First stop is a South Dakota institution, Wall Drug, then see how candy made from cacti is made in the Southwest.