Cactus melocactus Linnaeus, Species Plantarum 1: 466. 1753.

"Habitat in Jamaica, America calidiore." RCN: 3568.

Lectotype (Heath in Calyx 4: 90. 1994): [icon] " Echinomelocactos " in Clusius, Exot. Libri: 92. 1605.

Current name: Melocactus caroli-linnaei N.P. Taylor ( Cactaceae).

Note: Taylor (in Bradleya 9: 78. 1991) designated a neotype but this is contrary to Art. 9.11, as original material is in existence. Mottram (in Taxon 42: 462. 1993) designated a Tournefort plate, not cited by Linnaeus and hence not original material either, as the lectotype, and Heath’s therefore appears to be the first acceptable type choice.