Melon cactus
Botanical name: Melocactus
Melon cactus
Botanical name: Melocactus
Description
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melon cactus are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melon cactus is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil. 
Species of Melon cactus
Turk's Cap
Turk's Cap (Melocactus intortus) is a cactus native to the West Indies. Turk's Cap is also known by the alternative latin name Melocactus broadwayi. This species is considered moderately difficult to cultivate as a houseplant, and is susceptible to root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry completely in between waterings.
Turk's cap
Turk's cap (Melocactus salvadorensis) is a flowering cactus native to Brazil. In the wild, turk's cap grows near granite rocks in stony soils, and it is pollinated by hummingbirds. This species is endangered due to cattle ranching and illegal collection. Turk's cap is cultivated as a houseplant, but it is considered difficult to grow because it cannot live without water for very long. However, water also causes root rot, so a fine-tuned watering schedule is needed to keep this plant healthy.
Melocactus macracanthos
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus macracanthos are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus macracanthos is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Melocactus neryi
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus neryi are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus neryi is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Melocactus zehntneri
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus zehntneri are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus zehntneri is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Melocactus curvispinus
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus curvispinus are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus curvispinus is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Melocactus peruvianus
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus peruvianus are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus peruvianus is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Melocactus smithii
Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow. The fruits of melocactus smithii are pink and resemble the shape of pepper fruits. Melocactus smithii is a genus of cactus with about 30–40 species. They are native to Americas, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil.
Care Guide for Melon cactus
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Cactuses Genus
Melon cactus 
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