Melocactus (melon cactus), also known as the Turk's head cactus, Turk's cap cactus, or Pope's head cactus, is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to the Caribbean , western Mexico through Central America to northern South America , with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru , and a concentration of species ...

Step into the captivating world of Melocactus, commonly referred to as the melon cactus or Turk’s cap cactus. What sets this fascinating plant apart is its distinctive red circular ring resting proudly atop its body. With a staggering array of over 40 unique species, Melocactus is a true marvel of nature. The best part?

Melocactus is a genus of especially aesthetically attractive cacti distinguishable by their odd cephalium that protrudes from the top. The cephalium (plural: cephalia), a bristly collection of areoles, is designed to produce flowers and fruit and grow up …

Despite their frequency in cultivation, identification of Melocactus species is arguably the most difficult of all globular cacti and is particularly difficult if not impossible before the cephalium is formed. Even with location data in the wild, ID is a challenge.

Melocactus [mel-oh-KAK-tus] is a genus of cacti belonging to the Cactaceae family and native to the Caribbean. This genus has about 30 – 40 species of which Melocactus matanzanus is the most popular variety, was initially named Cactus Melocactus in 1753 by …

The Melocactus curvispinus is a captivating cactus that will pique your curiosity from the moment you lay eyes on it. With origins in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela, this spiny wonder brings a taste of Latin America’s vibrant landscapes right to your home.

Description: Melocactus azureusSN|18932]]SN|18932]] is one of most desirable of the Brazilian melocacti because of its striking frosty blue epidermis, this plant has a reputation for being more difficult to cultivate than most.

Type species: Cactus melocactus L., typ. cons. (= Melocactus caroli-linnaei N.P.Taylor) The Melocactus genus was established in 1827 by two German gentleman – the biologist Heinrich Friedrich Link and the gardener and botanist Christoph Friedrich Otto.

Melocactus matanzanus is a unique and captivating species of cactus known for its striking appearance and distinctive cephalium, a woolly structure on top of mature plants. Due to this cephalium, it is commonly referred to as the Turk’s Cap Cactus.

Melocactus matanzanus Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Origin and Habitat: Northern Cuba (Matanzas and Las Villas Provinces). Habitat: It is restricted to the coastal scrublands on serpentine outcrops among low xerophytic vegetation.

Learn how to grow and care for Melocactus. Get tips for planting, watering, feeding, and caring for Melocactus throughout the year. Join our gardening family to receive the latest tips.

melon cactus, (genus Melocactus), any of about 30 species of cacti (family Cactaceae) native to the West Indies, Central America, and tropical South America. They are sometimes cultivated as novelties for their unusual bristly cap that forms at maturity.

Melocactus, commonly called Melon Cactus, is a genus of cacti. They are native to the Caribbean, western Mexico through Central America to northern South America, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.

Melocactus is a small genus in the Cactaceae family. It is spread over a very large area, including the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Central America and much of the north and central parts of South America.

The genus Melocactus is made up of some 40 species originating from Mexico to the north of South America; In fact, only in Cuba, that tropical island bathed by crystal clear waters and favored by warm temperatures all year round, there are 11 different varieties.

The genus Melocactus includes around 40 cacti from Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America. Many of these species are endangered, and plants in cultivation are almost always grown from seeds. They are slow-growing, often difficult to grow. They are globular plants, generally solitary, except if the growing tip has been damaged.

Melocactus lemairei is a cylindrical or slightly pyramid-shaped green cactus that can grow up to 20 cm (8 inches) in height, and 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) in diameter. It has between 9 and 10 ribs with 8 to 10 spines each. These spines are yellow to brown in color, and can reach anywhere from 2 to 3 cm (1 inch) in length.

Melocactus caesius (Melocactus curvispinus subs. caesius) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli Origin and Habitat: Coastal areas of Venezuela, northern Colombia Altitude: From sea level up to 700 m.

Be patient – it can take 3-4 years for a Melocactus to grow its signature cephalium! With their exotic capped looks and stubborn growing nature, Melocactus deinacanthus can be a challenge to propagate from seed. But it’s such a rewarding process to grow these quirky cacti yourself!

MELOCACTUS KEY FEATURES. Melocactus is a kind of about forty slow growing species that can be found in Central and South America. Depending on the plant, it can live either at the seaside and on the Peruvian Andes.