Xerophyte

Central Spines

1-3 slightly curved to straight horizontally extended, 28-48 mm long.

Seeds

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

Description

Melocactus pachyacanthusSN|18932]]SN|20596]] is recognizable by the greyish-green to bluish-green body with stout brownish-red spines. It is distinctive but some authors consider it only a variety of Melocactus azureusSN|20596]]SN|18932]]. This plant has a reputation for being more difficult to cultivate than most.

Cephalium

up to 12 cm tall, 7-10 cm wide, nearly lacking wool but with densedull pinkish red bristles.

Flowers

Small 20-25 mm long 7-10 mm in diameter pink to magenta, only partly expandedand barely exserted above the cephalia.

Blooming Season

Spring to late autumn (fall).

Spines

Spines all stout, reddish brown, overlaid with grey, some hooked in seedlings.

Ribs

9-11, low, triangular in cross section.

Stem

Globose, to elongate15-30 tall and up to 20 cm in diameter, green to grey-green, often strongly glaucous, especially when young.

Radial Spines

8-9 very stout, straight or slightly curved, 25-49 mm long lowermost longest.

Fruits

Small, somewhat flattened, 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.