Kroenleinia grusonii

Kroenleinia grusonii
Echinocactus grusonii in a cactus collection
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Kroenleinia
Species:
K. grusonii
Binomial name
Kroenleinia grusonii
(Hildm.) Lodé
Synonyms
  • Echinocactus grusonii Hildm.[2]

Kroenleinia grusonii, popularly known as the golden barrel cactus, golden ball, "mother-in-law's cushion" or "mother-in-law’s chair", is a species of barrel cactus which is endemic to east-central Mexico.

The golden barrel cactus is rare and endangered—potentially regionally extinct—in nature. It is native to the Mexican states of Querétaro and Hidalgo, particularly near Mesa de León.[1] Wild populations of K. grusonii were adversely affected in the 1990s as a result of wild specimens being poached as well as the creation of the Zimapán Dam and reservoir (in Hidalgo).[1] The golden barrel cactus is a fairly adaptable species, but naturally prefers growing in rich, volcanic (but well-aerated) soil on sunny slopes, where water quickly flees from its roots. The species may be found growing at altitudes as high as 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) above sea level.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d Guadalupe Martínez, J.; Sánchez , E.; Gómez-Hinostrosa, C. (2013). "Echinocactus grusonii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T40962A2947851. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T40962A2947851.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Lode was invoked but never defined (see the help page).