Sclerocactus

Taxobox
name = "Sclerocactus"

---

image_width = 270px
image_caption = "Sclerocactus wrightiae"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Caryophyllales
familia = Cactaceae
subfamilia = Cactoideae
tribus = Cacteae
genus = "Sclerocactus"
genus_authority = Britton & Rose
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =
*"Sclerocactus glaucus"
*"Sclerocactus mesae-verde"
*"Sclerocactus parviflorus"
*"Sclerocactus wetlandicus"
*"Sclerocactus wrightiae"
*etc.

"Sclerocactus" ("hard cactus", from Greek) is a genus of cacti. These species are very xerophytic. These cacti are sometimes called 'fishhook' or 'mini barrels'. They have rigid stems with ribs and are covered with spiny, hooked needles that come out of the aeroles. These plants can often be found in higher elevation deserts such as the Colorado Plateau or the Great Basin. They are well suited to extremes due to very hot summers and below freezing winters.

Many species of Sclerocactus are protected under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act and all species should be treated as imperiled.

Synonymy

The following genera have been brought into synonymy with "Sclerocactus":
*"Ancistrocactus" Britton & Rose
*"Coloradoa" Boissev. & C.Davidson
*"Glandulicactus" Backeb.
*"Toumeya" Britton & Rose