Echinocactus Species, Cotton Top Cactus, Harem Cactus, Woolly-Headed Barrel Cactus

Although there are occasional occurances where a standard Ferocactus Barrel will grow multiple heads, this species almost always grows mu...Read Moreltiple heads.
The subspecies 'polycephalus' is the most widespread and common, growing in clumps of about 20-30 heads, and it's spines are covered with very fine hairs.
The subspecies 'xeranthemoides' usually only has up to about 12 heads, and usually dosen't have the fine hairs. It also grows at higher elevations than the 'polycephalus' subspecies.
All three can also be grown from seeds.

I've seen this growing in the wild on the 'El Camino Del Diablo Trail' (Devils' Highway) that runs between Ajo and Wellton in Arizona through the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge.