TURK'S HEAD OR BARREL CACTUS
This is a barrel-shaped grotesque cactus with the wickedest of spines, easily penetrating rubber soles. It is also known in the northern islands as ‘Mother-in-law’s pincushion’. When mature it has a large red head. Its fuchsia coloured fruits are picked out of the head by birds and children. Turk’s Heads are common on rock pavement vegetation of the eastern coast, as the cliffs of Shirley Heights. They are often transplanted as ornamentals in gardens.
Special thanks to the late Desmond Nicholson of the Museum of Antigua & Barbuda and Peter Duce for making this section of Antigua Nice Ltd possible!
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