Melocactus oreas f. variegated

The variegated shape of this cactus presents the typical yellow zones in the exact points where the chlorophyll is absent; such zones will never be the same from one plant to another, reason why this plant is unique and widely sought after by collectors of the genus. It is a spherical cactus, depressed at the apex, of a very intense dark green that contrasts with its large white areoles. From these ones emerge rather thin and long golden thorns: each areola has medium-length radial spines and one or two longer and well straight central plugs. At the apex, the spines are particularly long and turned upwards, almost forming a golden tuft, characteristic that distinguishes it from the other Melocactus, so peculiar to confer the name even to the whole species.