Melocactus matanzanus

Melocactus matanzanus, common name dwarf Turk's-cap cactus or Turk's-cap cactus, is a cactus in the genus Melocactus of the family Cactaceae. The epithet matanzanus is derived from the Cuban province of Matanzas.

Melocactus matanzanus
At the Huntington Library
Scientific classification
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M. matanzanus
Binomial name
Melocactus matanzanus
Leon, 1934
Synonyms
  • Cactus matanzanus (León) Borg (1951)
  • Melocactus actinacanthus Areces (1976)

Description

Melocactus matanzanus is a perennial fleshy globose plant. It can reach a height of 7–9 centimetres (2.8–3.5 in) and a diameter of 8–9 centimetres (3.1–3.5 in). On the bright green body there are 8-9 (or more) ribs. The thorns are brownish-gray or white. The central spine is up to 2 inches long, while the 7 to 8 radial spines are 1.2 to 2 inches long.

When the plant has reached a certain age it shows at the growing tip a cephalium (hence the common name of "Turk's Cap"), a globose structure covered with reddish-brown bristles. This structure, where the flower buds will form, reaches a height of up to 9 centimetres (3.5 in) and a diameter of 5–6 centimetres (2.0–2.4 in). The flowers are carmine, about 2 inches long.

Distribution

This plant is native to the north-central area of Cuba. It is a popular and desirable species throughout the world as an ornamental plant.

References

  • "Melocactus matanzanus". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • Cacti Guide
  • Bihrmann.com
  • Desert-tropicals


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