The Golden Barrel cactus is definitely not a cacti to accidently sit on. Ouch! That would seriously hurt! :(

Now I will admit I haven't owned that many cacti in my life, but I have owned quite a few golden barrel cacti. There's something about the look of it: It's kind of round like a ball and yet so in-your-face thorny.

I remember giving a golden barrel cactus as a Christmas present during a "Chinese Auction". I had it fully wrapped and I had written frequenly "Hold From The Bottom"! Well, at first people thought it was just an ordinary poinsettia, but when it was revealed to be a big ol' thorny cactus, everyone wanted it! That cactus switched hands so many times before the game was over! ;)

I would also stick stuff into my golden barrel cactus like it was an afro. I remember jamming a styrofoam cup into it and the thorns did a great job holding up the cup.

This page about the golden barrel cactus was contributed by Steve Garufi in Buena Vista, Colorado. You are welcome to make a submission about your favorite cacti or succulent. Visit the submission page for more details!

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