Melocactus zehntneri

Melocactus zehnerii is a Turk's turban cactus native to the state of Bahia, in north eastern Brazil. It is also known as melocactus giganteus and Cactus zehntneri. Like other Turk's Turbans, it has a roundish lower body with typically about eleven vertical ribs which does the photosynthesis and an elongated upper body, the cephalum. which is a type of capitate inflorescence. Its phyllotaxis is much higher; usually 34/55. This upper cephalum can grow as much as 29 inches ( 72 centimeters) in length, and displaying as many as sixteen annual rings. one of the longest living of all inflorescences known.