MELON THISTLE, Melocactus

a cactus which takes its name from the resemblance of many varieties to huge muskmelons--the plants consisting of deeply ridged, round bodies, one to two feet in height. It is also called the Turk's Cap, as in the center of the top is a crown of spines filled with woolly fibrous matter, the flowers appearing half-way through the upper surface. The small pear-like fruit is in many cases edible and of agreeable flavor. The body of the "melon" is full of succulent matter, which is eagerly sought by cattle in times of drought.