Melocactus matanzanus

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Melocactus matanzanus
Melocactus matanzanus 2.jpg
At the Huntington Library
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Melocactus
Species:
M. matanzanus
Binomial name
Melocactus matanzanus
Synonyms [1]
  • Cactus matanzanus(León) Borg
  • Melocactus actinacanthusAreces
  • Melocactus matanzanus subsp. actinacanthus(Areces) Guiggi

Melocactus matanzanus, common name dwarf Turk's-cap cactus or Turk's-cap cactus, is a cactus in the family Cactaceae . [1] [2] The specific epithet matanzanus is derived from the Cuban province of Matanzas.

Contents

Description

Melocactus matanzanus is a perennial fleshy globose plant. It can reach a height of 70–90 mm (2+343+12 in) and a diameter of 80–90 mm (3+143+12 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 50 mm (2 in) long, while the 7 to 8 radial spines are 30–50 mm (1+14–2 in) 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 90 mm (3+12 in) and a diameter of 50–60 mm (2–2+12 in). The flowers are carmine, about 50 mm (2 in) 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

  1. 1 2 "Melocactus matanzanus León". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  2. "Melocactus matanzanus León". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000. n.d. Retrieved June 19, 2025.