Melocactus violaceus

     From southeastern Brazil, Melocactus violaceus is another diminutive Melo at around 4 inches around. The cephalium is white with sparse red hairs and it produces the typical pink flowers. This was a Home Depot buy that surprised me. I've found a couple Melos there but never one with a cephalium. Like my others that are mature, it's flowered all summer long. Click below for more pictures. The last picture was donated by Geoff Stein, a fellow member of the Davesgarden.com gardenig forums. Thanks Geoff!

Summer flowers

Flower closeup

A mature specimen with fruit