Cactaceae FAMILY Vulnerable

Melocactus salvadorensis

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

1/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Melocactus salvadorensis is a spiny, evergreen globose to depressed globose cactus, producing a single stem that can be 12 - 20cm tall and 12 - 25cm in diameter. Flowers are produced in a cephalium, a perennial structure up to 15cm high and 6 - 10cm 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 food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental. Melocactus salvadorensis has a relatively wide range, however the populations are decreasing steadily, and this is inferred based on observations made over the last 30 years. A decrease in 30% of the population is inferred; there are several threats throughout the species range, including habitat loss due to agriculture, cattle ranching, gathering of fuel wood, urbanization and collection of plants for ornamental use; in addition the plant is not found within any protected areas. 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. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintropical

Native RangeS. America - eastern Brazil (Minas Gerais, southern Bahia)

HabitatUsually found on or adjacent to exposed gneiss/granitic rocks/inselbergs and in stony soil of the dry forests; at elevations from 300 - 1,040 metres[ 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. , 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 ].