Melocactus intortus

Melocactus intortus, commonly known as the melon cactus, is a species of cactus belonging to the genus Melocactus. These plants are native to the West Indies, Central America, and tropical South America.1

Melon cacti are characterized by their ribbed, ball-shaped to cylindrical bodies. A distinctive feature is the development of a reddish, woolly cap called a cephalium, which forms on top of the plant as it matures. This cephalium is where carmine to pink flowers emerge, followed by waxy, edible fruits that are typically pink or red. A notable Caribbean species, Melocactus intortus, can grow up to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. The genus name Melocactus itself comes from the Latin words for "melon" and "cactus".12