Turk’s Head Cactus

This Turk's Head Cactus with both flowers and pink fruit grows wild in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

This Turk's Head Cactus with both flowers and pink fruit grows wild in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The Turk’s Head Cactus is one of the national emblems of the Turks and Caicos Islands where it loves the dry climate and thrives in exposed areas. It is named after the distinctive reddish cap that sits on top of the green cactus and looks like a Turkish fez (cap).

Turk's Head Cactus blooms throughout the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands

Turk's Head Cactus blooms throughout the year in the Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turk’s Head Cactus produces small spikey looking pink flowers and as they die, they form the fruit which grows inside the white spongey cap. The rosey pink fruit contains the seeds and are much loved by our lizards and birds, iguanas too.  The locals also will eat them as they apparently are sweet and juicy. I haven’t tasted one yet but will do so one of these days.

Turk's Head Cactus with pretty pink flowers
Turk’s Head Cactus with pretty pink flowers

I’ve had some success in growing Turk’s Head Cactus and have lots started

at Harbour Club Villas. They take forever to grow though!!!!
Cheers,
Marta