Biology:Melocactus matanzanus
| Melocactus matanzanus | |
|---|---|
| |
| At the Huntington Library | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Melocactus |
| Species: | M. matanzanus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Melocactus matanzanus Leon, 1934
| |
| Synonyms | |
| |
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.
Description
Melocactus matanzanus is a perennial fleshy globose plant. It can reach a height of 70–90 mm (2 3⁄4–3 1⁄2 in) and a diameter of 80–90 mm (3 1⁄4–3 1⁄2 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 1⁄4–2 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 1⁄2 in) and a diameter of 50–60 mm (2–2 1⁄2 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
- {{citation
| mode = cs1 | title = Melocactus matanzanus | work = Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) | url = | publisher = [[Organization:Agricultural Research ServAgricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | access-date = }}
Wikidata ☰ Q145888 entry
 |  |
