"The Barrel Cactus commonly called the Fishhook Cactus"

On the three acres around my home, there are a number of Barrel Cactus which are now flowering. This particular cactus is usually the last to flower during the summer. The flowers are yellow to orange in color are up to 3 inches wide and grow around a ring around the top. In one of my photos, you'll see a multi-head Barrel Cactus, which is rather unusual. The name Fishhook comes from the fish like spines that are found on the cactus. These cacti are very hardy, and can live up to 130 years and can go without water for an extended period of time, because of the large amount of water the cactus can store. In fact there is one report of one barrel cactus surviving 6 years after being taken out of the ground!