Rare Cactus Flower

When bought this cactus about 40 years ago. It was about 2 inches high and 2 inches around. Today, about 1 foot tall, the cactus bloomed for the first time. The nursery owner told me it is called Ferocactus Gatesii, discovered in the Baja California desert by Professor H. E. Gates at California State University of Fullerton. My cacti and succulents handbook does not mention it, but some internet research revealed that it is a subspecies of Ferocactus Gracilis, sometimes called "Fire Barrel Cactus."

Since this cactus blossom is probably seldom seen, I decided to celebrate by sharing the picture.