Ferocactus cylindraceus, commonly called the Red Barrel Cactus or Miner’s Compass

There are several species of red barrel cactus which is known by several common names, including California barrel cactus and miner's compass. This cactus is usually cylindrical or spherical, with some older specimens forming columns two meters in height. It is covered in long, plentiful spines, which are straight and red when new and become curved and gray as they age. It bears bright yellow flowers with red or yellow centers on the side that faces the sun. The fleshy, hollow fruits are yellow. This cactus is native to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

These pictures were taken on 02/19 at Grapevine Canyon, Laughlin, NV and 04/15/2010 at the Botanical Cactus Garden at Ethel M’s Chocolate Factory in Las Vegas.