Melocactus violaceus

Botanical Description

Melocactus violaceus is a spiny, evergreen depressed globose, hemispherical or disc-shaped cactus, producing a single stem that can be 5 - 20cm tall and 6 - 20cm in diameter. Flowers are produced in a cephalium, a perennial structure usuallu up to 55mm high (exceptionally to 110mm) and 37 - 85mm in diameter that develops atop the adult cactus[ 1997 Title The genus Melocactus (Cactaceae) in Central and South America Publication Bradleya 9, 1991 pp 1-80 Author Taylor N.P. Publisher Year 1991 ISBN Description ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental. Melocactus violaceus has a wide range, occurring along the coast of Brazil from Rio de Janeiro northwards. In total, a 70% population loss is inferred based on historical land use change for tourist development. A 30% loss or higher is estimated over the past 15 years (or three generations). The habitat quantity and quality is being reduced due to many reasons, such as tourism, agroindustry, and urbanization. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2017)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].