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  Melocactus multiceps
(Syn: Melocactus ernestii var. multiceps)
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Melocactus multiceps
This is species has very strong and long spines.
 

The most remarkable part of a Melocactus is its cephalium a bristle-coated structure on the summit of the plant, only Melocactus, and the similar genus Discocactus possesses this type of permanent, apical, hat-like appendage. It’s only when a Melocactus reaches maturity that the cephalium begins to grow. Cylindrical, with a diameter distinctly smaller than that of the plant body below, the cephalium will keep growing for the rest of the plant’s life, but the body of the plant stops growing the moment the cephalium starts to form. As the plants age the cephalium doesn’t increase in circumference it will steadily grow taller.
 

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Melocactus ernestii complex (This Taxon has lots of synonyms ( like many other cacti) whit several controversial varieties and subspecies and comprises a multitude of different forms, but where each form is linked to others by populations of plants with intermediate characteristics):


Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo  gallery MELOCACTUS

 


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Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)


Melocactus multiceps

Accepted Scientific name:  Melocactus ernestii D. Vaupel
Published in: Monatscr. Kakteenkunde 30, 8, 1920

Origin: Itoabim, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Common NameTurk’s cap,  “melon cactus” (or simply “melon”)

Synonyms:   
  • Melocactus azulensis forma multiceps
  • Melocactus ernestii v. multiceps
 
 

Cultivation: These cacti are not the easiest things to grow and aren’t plants for beginners.
Melocactus erythracanthus
grows from April to October, it can’t endure long stretches of total dryness, and also too much water will rot it, as its weak root systems tends to be inefficient at sucking up water from wet soil. Nonetheless, again as a result of their tropical origins, they need a fair amount of water, but allow the soil to dry quite a bit before watering again. Melocactus rests from October to April but can’t stand cold, or even fairly cool temperatures, so is indispensable to keep it above 8-12°C at all times, severe damage or death occurring at temperatures that the great majority of cacti wouldn’t mind in the least and prefer more frequent water in winter than other cacti, say once a month. Do not feed in winter.
The root system is weak and generally resents being repotted and can take a long time to re-establish. The soil mix should be very quick draining, prefers very bright light, not as much as the most arid growing cacti, but plenty nonetheless.
Propagation:
Exclusively by Seeds. Sow in February-march in a light, sandy, porous soil. Cover germinating tray with glass to prevent seed from drying out. Germination is most successful at a temperature of 18 to 22° C.

Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art files are now available also in the new the Enciclopedia of Cacti. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.