Melocactus matanzanus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Melocactus matanzanus |
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| At the Huntington Library | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Melocactus |
| Species: |
M. matanzanus
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| Binomial name | |
| Melocactus matanzanus Leon, 1934
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| Synonyms | |
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Melocactus matanzanus is a special kind of cactus. People often call it the dwarf Turk's-cap cactus or just Turk's-cap cactus. It belongs to the Melocactus group in the Cactaceae family. Its name, matanzanus, comes from Matanzas, a province in Cuba where it was first found.
What it Looks Like
Melocactus matanzanus is a round, fleshy plant. It lives for many years. This cactus can grow about 7 to 9 centimeters (3 to 3.5 inches) tall. It can also be about 8 to 9 centimeters (3 to 3.5 inches) wide.
Its bright green body has 8 to 9 (or more) ribs. The thorns on the cactus are brownish-gray or white. The main thorn in the middle can be up to 5 centimeters (2 inches) long. The 7 to 8 thorns around it are about 3 to 5 centimeters (1.25 to 2 inches) long.
The Cephalium
When the cactus gets older, a special part grows on top. This part is called a cephalium. It looks like a round, fuzzy cap. It is covered with reddish-brown bristles. This is why it's called a "Turk's Cap."
The cephalium is where the cactus flowers grow. It can reach a height of up to 9 centimeters (3.5 inches). It can also be about 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.5 inches) wide. The flowers are a beautiful carmine (reddish-purple) color. They are about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long.
Where it Lives
This cactus naturally grows in the north-central part of Cuba. It is a very popular plant around the world. Many people like to grow it as an ornamental plant in their homes or gardens.
See also
In Spanish: Melocactus matanzanus para niños
 | May Edward Chinn |
 | Rebecca Cole |
 | Alexa Canady |
 | Dorothy Lavinia Brown |
