Scientific Name
Melocactus bellavistensis Rauh & Backeb.
Synonym(s)
Melocactus bellavistensis subsp. bellavistensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Melocactus
Origin
Melocactus bellavistensis is native to southern Ecuador and northern Peru.
Description
Melocactus bellavistensis is a small cactus with a globose to somewhat elongate, conical stem with 9 to 18 ribs and red bristly cephalium. The stem is glossy dark green and can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in height and diameter. The spines are whitish to reddish-yellow, usually curved downward, and can measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. The cephalium has exserted reddish bristles and creamy white wool and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
The deep pink flowers appear from spring to summer. They can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The red fruits can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 30 °F (−1.1 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Melocactus are somewhat finicky cacti with unusual requirements. They shouldn't be allowed to completely dry out, even in winter, and they can suffer from soil composition, drainage, water level, sun, and more factors that are difficult to control. Therefore, these plants are best for growers who have already successfully cultivated cacti. Establish a balance with good aeration matched by ample water and good soil matched by good drainage, and these plants should continue to grow. If grown successfully, their unusual tops make them among the more beautiful desert cacti.
Notably, Melocactus like to be pretty packed in, so keep them in a fairly small container that slightly constricts their roots. Repotting them at the beginning of the growing season is a good idea until they form cephalium and the body stops growing, at which point they should be repotted like other cacti.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Melocactus.
Links
- Back to genus Melocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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