Barrel Cactus - Body
Barrel Cactus
Desert Garden
Golden barrel cacti (Echinocactus grusonii) growing with blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens)
- The Desert Garden was one of the first gardens created at The Huntington, more than 100 years ago. It was designed by William Hertrich, Mr. Huntington’s ranch superintendent. Travel back in time to see early photos of the Desert Garden.
- Plants found in the Desert Garden have succulent, water-storing stems, leaves, or roots. They are adapted to survive heat and long periods without rain.
- See the vertical lines with spines on the cactus pictured at right? These are called ribs. These ribs can expand to help the barrel cactus store water.
- The largest barrel cactuses in the garden can weigh hundreds of pounds, and some are more than 100 years old!
Activity
Adaptation art: Think of a plant that grows in the desert and make an adaptation for the plant. Maybe it changes color for camouflage? Maybe it has built-in sunglasses? It is up to you. Use colored pencils, crayons, or markers to draw your desert plant. Think about how your adaptation will be helpful for the plant and its ecosystem.