This globular grey green, sometimes flat topped cactus has 7-13 ribs that may be spiralling arranged and are armed with pale brown flattened curved spines. It produces rose pink, diurnal cup-shaped flowers that appear early to late spring.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Echinocactus horizonthalonius is naturally found in North America from western Texas to New Mexico in growing on limestone based rocky soils that are poor to moderately fertile. It prefers an open to exposed hot sunny position in regions which receive very low rainfall, 50 mm (2in) per annum and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Nichol's Turk's Head Cactus is grown for its spines and flowers. It is planted in a arid gardens or hot sunny rockeries as a specimen and as a potted plant in cactus collections.  It is suitable for arid inland regions and establishes in 4-6 years and is long lived. In cold climates it is grown under glass or indoors, near a sunny window. ID 2071

Note:
This is the smallest species in the genus and in its native habitat it is classified as endangered and is difficult to find particularly in flower.

Echinocactus (ee-KYN-o-kak-tus) horizonthalonius (HOH-ree-zon-tha-LOH-nee-us)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)