F. herrerae is a solitary cactus, reaching an average height of 2 m (6.56 ft), and 40 cm (15.74 in) in diameter.It features 13 deep ribs, initially heavily tuberculated. Areoles are 2.03 cm long with 7-9 spines, with supposed bristle-like radials up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long and 5 mm (0.20 in) wide. Flowers are yellow, with red-pink midribs and brown tips, blooming from Summer to early Autumn. The funnel-shaped flowers are yellow with a red central stripe, reaching up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in length and diameter. Fruit are yellow-green and fleshy, 4 to 6 cm (1.6 to 2.4 in) long, and 2.5 to 3 cm (0.98 to 1.18 in) in diameter, splitting open at their base. [3] It starts out in a globular barrel cactus form and eventually, as it matures, developing into a signature cylindrical barrel cactus form.[8]
Taxonomy
It was described by Mexican botanist, Jesús González Ortega in 1927.[9] Its common name refers to its twisted, barrel cactus shape habit, with long, hooked, or barbed spines.[3]Ferocactus herrerae was originally listed as a subspecies or variety of Ferocactus wislizeni until it was elevated to full species status based on morphological differences.[9] The prior treatment is still used by some authors.[3]