Barrel Cactus

Contrary to common myth, although their wounds can become infected, the spines of a barrel cactus are no more "dirty" than other cactus spines or wood splinters.

A more dangerous myth holds that water from the interior of a barrel cactus can be drunk in an emergency. In fact, the water inside a barrel cactus is highly alkaline and causes diarrhea -- which may actually lead to dehydration.

Photo by Nova Development Corp. Used under license.