Melocactus violaceus
Melocactus violaceus is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitats are dry savanna and sandy shores. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Description
Melocactus violaceus has dark green bodies measuring 5–20 cm in height and 6–20 cm in diameter, with 5–15 ribs. It features slender, brownish spines with darker tips, often tinged with gray. Central spines are absent; radial spines number 5–8, are straight or slightly curved, and are 1.4–2.4 cm long, with the lowest reaching 3 cm. The cephalium, composed of light red bristles and white wool, is up to 6 cm tall and 3.5–8.5 cm in diameter.The deep pink flowers emerge prominently from the cephalium, measuring 1.5–2.5 cm long and 6–14 mm wide. The fruits are 1.2–1.9 cm long and range from light pink to dark pink, lilac-pink, or white.
Subspecies
Accepted subspecies:| Image | Name | Distribution |
| Melocactus violaceus subsp. margaritaceus | Brazil | |
| Melocactus violaceus subsp. ritteri | Brazil | |
| Melocactus violaceus subsp. violaceus | Brazil |