The Turks head cacti (Melocactus intortus) is a variety of small barrel cactus, with a mature height rarely exceeding 24 inches (61 cm) and diameter of 14 inches (35 cm). The red, wool-coated cephalium, said to resemble the fez worn by Turkish men during the late Ottoman Empire, gives the plant one of its common names, Turk’s cap cactus. It gives its name to the Turks Islands, part of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The cacti is typically found in exposed and dry regions. In the Turks and Caicos, these areas are usually natural eroded limestone bedding landscapes, or in some cases, hard sandy dunes.
The Turks head cacti appears on both the Turks and Caicos flag and coat of arms.
Details
- Date of Issue: 1 February 1967
- Reprints:
- Date Withdrawn: 7 September 1969
- Date Invalidated:
- Designer: Victor Whiteley
- Printer: Harrisons & Sons Ltd, London
- Process: Photogravure
- Paper:
- Watermark: Block CA
- Perf: 14.5 x 14 (comb)
- Cylinders: 1A (), 1A (), 1A ()
- Sheet: 5 x 12 (60)
- Quantity:
