Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent or 1 to 3, located in the upper parts of the areoles, sometimes very weak, 1-17 mm long.

Description

Melocactus bellavistensisSN|20610]]SN|20610]] is a rare species with red bristly cephalia. Unlike most other melocacti, it is rather uniform in vegetative characters but with spines variable in stoutness.

Cephalium

Up to 15 (or more) cm high, 6-10 cm in diameter, with exserted reddish bristles and creamy white wool.

Flowers

Deep pink, 18-26 mm long, 5-10 mm in diameter.

Blooming Season

Spring to summer and opening late in the afternoon.

Spines

Whitish to reddish yellow, with grey coating, usually curved downward, variable in stoutness depending on growing condition, age, and geographical provenance.

Ribs

9-18, sharply acute, with straight grows.

Stem

Depressed globose to somewhat elongate and conical, 6-25 cm high, 8-25 (or more) cm in diameter glossy dark green.

Radial Spines

6-12, lower ones longest, to 25 mm, upper ones 1-8 mm long.

Fruits

Red, 15-29 mm long.

Areoles

Conspicuous sunken into notches in the ribs, at first with white wool, later almost naked.