Xerophyte

Description

Usually stay solitary, mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium. The immature plant looks like a smallish barrel cactus, and there is nothing in its appearance that would suggest a Melocactus.

Cephalium

White with brownish-red bristles.

Flowers

Small inconspicuous bright pink to purple grow at the top of the cephalium.

Ribs

13-18.

Stem

Round to conical strongly longitudinally ribbed body, up to 20 cm tall, up to 20 cm in diameter.

Fruits

Red pear shaped.