From the state of Hidalgo Mexico here's another fine golden spined barrel. It can grow to be about 20 inches around and in height. Yellow flowers are produced in summer. I love the way the golden spines contrast with the blue green body on this one, though it's not easy to see in the picture. In natural light it looks a lot bluer. Just a little guy a couple inches around, I think he'll be grown in pots till it's big enough to go in the ground. I hope it grows fast, at 20 inches around they must look like a giant blue spiny beach ball :-)
     Here's a view of a mature specimen flowering. I like it! The outstanding photo below was taken by Palmbob, a fellow member of the Daves Garden.com gardening forums. It is used here with his permission. Thanks Bob!