Its name is the combination of the Latin word “ferox “ meaning “wild, fierce” and the Greek word “kaktos” meaning cactus. This genus of barrel-shaped cacti has long been a major stereotype for the entire cactus family and includes about 30 species. Found in the southwestern United States and north-western Mexico, where, bolstered by errant folklore, it has been nicknamed “The Traveller's Friend”. This is due to the belief that these “living barrels” are reservoirs of fresh drinking water in the hot arid deserts. However, this water is far too alkaline and may actually worsen the effects of dehydration. As a whole, the species included in this genus are indeed barrel-shaped, but some remain smaller and round. All species have stout spines, some of them especially thick and heavy and may be hooked or straight (the latter were used by the natives as hooks). Flowers often form a ring around the apex and develop from scaly and naked buds. Fruits in most species are elongated and yellow and retain the dried flower parts.
