Melocactus conoideus aka Cone Like Turk's Head Cactus

Melocactus conoideus is a small cactus in the Cactaceae family. Its common names include cone-like Turk's head cactus. Kew lists its native range as Bahia and Minas Gerais, Brazil. LLIFLE describes populations near Vitória da Conquista in Bahia. There, it grows where savanna, rocky uplands, and dry thorn forest meet. Sparse shrubs and herbs share its beds of quartz gravel. Its home climate is tropical, with a dry season.

The stem forms a low dome or a squat cone. It reaches about 0.33 feet (0.10 metres) tall. Its width reaches about 0.56 feet (0.17 metres). Eleven to fourteen rounded ribs divide the stem, sometimes fifteen. Small, padded areoles bear the spines along these ribs. Each has one central spine, straight or bent slightly back. Eight to eleven outer spines have brown and grey tones. Their tips may curve a little.

A short cephalium crowns the stem with red bristles and white wool. It is usually under 0.10 feet (0.03 metres) tall. Some reach 0.13 feet (0.04 metres). Pink to magenta flowers emerge from this crown. They open in the afternoon, between about 1:30 and 3:30. Each flower measures about 0.07 feet (0.022 metres) long. Slender fruits also emerge from the crown. They are lilac to magenta, with paler bases. The seeds are small, with raised cells on their coats.

This cactus needs careful watering and warmth in cultivation. LLIFLE does not recommend it for beginners. Growth runs from April through October. Long dry spells can harm it, but excess water causes rot. Its weak roots struggle to take up water from wet soil. Let the soil dry well between waterings without prolonged total dryness. LLIFLE advises keeping temperatures above a minimum of 8–12°C. It describes seed as the sole means of propagation. Seeds need a light, sandy mix that drains freely. Germination works best at 18–22°C, under glass to retain moisture.

Habitat loss threatens the wild plants described by LLIFLE. Gravel quarrying and urban growth have reduced their habitat. Some groups recovered after gravel extraction stopped. Protection has not prevented all quarrying at the known sites. The low stem may help limit harm from frequent fires. Even so, flames can scorch these plants. Cultivated plants now supply the trade, according to LLIFLE.