Echinocactus is a prominent genus of large, barrel-shaped cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern United States, known for their broad, ribbed bodies covered in prominent spines. These resilient plants often produce striking, showy flowers in shades of yellow, red, or orange during their blooming season. An interesting fact is that some species, like the famous golden barrel cactus, can live for many decades, making them iconic symbols of desert resilience and captivating additions to any cactus collection.