Melocactus azureus subs.ferrophilus-Turk's Cap Cactus- Rarer sub species

Melocactus azureus subs. ferreophilus is one of the rarest of the Brazilian melocacti, different  from the standard Melocactus azureus for its green epidermis (never blue) with white wool (not brown) and reddish bristles that protrude noticeably from the cephalia (not exerted in subsp. azureus). This plant has a reputation for being more difficult to cultivate than most.

The most remarkable part of a Melocactus is its cephalium a bristle-coated structure on the top. It grows when a Melocactus reaches maturity and keeps growing, but the body of the plant stops growing the moment the cephalium starts to form. As the plant grows older the cephalium will steadily grow taller.

A cactus with a green body, and dramatic golden/ brown spines, from a  5 cm pot. 

These plants have been grown from seed from a plant in my collection.

It grows in  a very small area less than 100 km2 in the upper drainage of the Rio Jacaré and tributaries, between América Dourada, Barro Alto and Souto Soares, in central Bahia, Brazil.
Altitude  - 700 to 850 metres above sea level.
The species naturally grows on raised, exposed limestone outcrops in caatinga forest. 

All sizes are approximate we try to be as accurate as possible. Photos are for illustration only unless stated on the actual item, so you will get a very similar plant. Some changes in colour may occur depending on the season as shown in the photographs. )

I have a plant passport  - ALL online sellers should have one  - Plant passports ensure that plants and plant products are traced throughout the supply chain and declares compliance with plant health requirements.