Most cactus spines are fairly straight, but the fishhook barrel cactus has spines curved into a fishhook shape (I don't mean barbs). Are there any good ideas why that shape evolved?

How many thorns are on the average cactus? - Quora

Seed of the Week: Barrel Cactus – Growing With Science Blog

Why has this cactus plant got curly spines? Is there any clue as

What causes a cactus to turn yellow? - Quora

Ferocactus wislizeni

Is a cactus a halophyte? - Quora

Barbed Barrel, January, February 2022

Most cactus spines are fairly straight, but the fishhook barrel

Most cactus spines are fairly straight, but the fishhook barrel