Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-3(-4) slightly curved to straight 2-4,6 cm long.

Seeds

Smooth 1-1,7 x 0,9-1,5 mm wide.

Description

Melocactus azureusSN|18932]]SN|18932]] is one of most desirable of the Brazilian melocacti because of its striking frosty blue epidermis. The crested form Melocactus azureusSN|18932]]SN|18932]] f. cristatus - despite to its beauty - is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique blue colouring.

Cephalium

3,5-12 tall, 7-10 cm wide, with white and brown wool and conspicuous reddish bristles not protruding from the cephalium.

Flowers

Small 15-23 mm long 4-11 mm in diameter pink to magenta, with approx. 25 perianth-segments visible from above.

Blooming Season

Spring to late autumn (fall).

Spines

Spines black to reddish, overlaid with grey, some hooked in seedlings.

Ribs

9-10(-12, acute, triangular in cross section.

Stem

Fan shaped, flattened on top 14-20 cm thick, intensely glaucous, especially when young, with mucilage present in the chlorophyllous cortical tissues

Radial Spines

7-11 very stout, lowermost longest up to 5 cm long.

Fruits

Small, white to pale pink above 15-29 mm long, 3-10 mm across. Not produced on isolated plants (self-sterile).

Areoles

1,5-2 cm apart.