Crested Barrel Cactus

The crested barrel cactus is a rare variant of the golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii or related species) that exhibits a distinctive fan-shaped or crested growth form at its apex. This crest is made up of hundreds of small, pleated folds or ribs, similar to the “cristate” pattern seen in some saguaros National Park Service. The crest can be irregular and unique to each plant, and it may grow in addition to the plant’s normal arms or remain as a separate fan-like structure.