Peru: Cordillera Blanca – Melocactus Peruvianus

Hugh up in the Cordillera Blanca mountains of north central Peru we came across this bizarre cactus – Melocactus Peruvians – endemic to this areas, clinging to steep canyon walls. There are many different species of Melocactus – all with similar top called cephalium that features bristles and white wool. The cactus is often colloquially called “Turk’s Cap”. The cactus spends the first 8-10 years of its life as a growing green barrel or globe. Once reaching maturity, the growth completely stops and only the cephalium continues growing, eventually bearing flowers and fruits.