Melocactus levitestatus

Melocactus levitestatus is a species of cactus of the genus Melocactus found in Brazil.

Description

Melocactus levitestatus features depressed, spherical to cylindrical shoots that grow tall and in diameter, with 9-15 sharp-edged ribs. Seedlings may have hooked brownish-red, gray-tinged spines. Central spines are long and are ascending or occasionally curved downward; radial spines of in length are strongly recurved, totaling 7-10. The bright red bristly cephalium reaches in height and in diameter.
Flowers are uniformly red or externally red with deep magenta interior, measuring long and in diameter. Fruits are white or light pink, club-shaped, long.

Distribution

This species is native to southern and western Bahia, northern to central Minas Gerais, Tocantins, and Goiás in Brazil at elevations between. Plants are found growing in limestone soil in seasonal dried forest.

Taxonomy

First described in 1973 by Buining and Brederoo, the name "levitestatus" derives from Latin, meaning "smooth seed coat."