About Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff.
Melocactus violaceus Pfeiff. has a dark green body that grows 5 to 20 cm tall and 6 to 20 cm in diameter, with 5 to 15 distinct ribs. Its spines are slender and brownish, often with a gray tinge and darker tips. This species has no central spines; it produces 5 to 8 radial spines, which are straight or slightly curved. These radial spines measure 1.4 to 2.4 cm long, and the lowest spine on each cluster can reach 3 cm in length. The reproductive cephalium is made up of light red bristles and white wool, growing up to 6 cm tall and 3.5 to 8.5 cm in diameter. Deep pink flowers grow prominently out from the cephalium, and measure 1.5 to 2.5 cm long and 6 to 14 mm wide. Fruits of this cactus are 1.2 to 1.9 cm long, and can be light pink, dark pink, lilac-pink, or white. This species is native to northeastern Brazil.
