This genus of cacti is rounded or globose with ribs that have a fleshy pink coloured cephalium on top of the stem. They have silvery-grey curved spines that are formidable and the small white, pink to purple tube-shaped flowers appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Melocactus species are naturally found from growing on well drained, gritty light soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

The Turk's Cap Cactus are grown for their small bright flowers and rounded habit. They are commonly grown as potted plant for indoor or as a glasshouse specimen. They are also planted in cacti or arid gardens and used in sunny rockeries. They are slow growing and establish in 3-4 years and watering should be reduced during winter. If the temperatures fall below 16ş C they should be place in glasshouse or protected area.ID 706

Note:
The cephalium forms on more mature plants and is normally slow to appear.

Melocactus(may-lô-KĂK-tus) species

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)