Illustrations du Genre Melocactus, in 3 Parts, complete

Pp. xii, 40; 24 plates (5 are hand-colored and 19 are fine photogravures). Early brown patterned cloth, lettered in gilt on the spine and front cover, (original printed pale green wrappers bound in place), sm folio (12 3/4 x 10 inches). Musee Botanique de Leide, volume 3, livraison 1-3. Part 1 is by William Suringar and Part 2 and 3 were completed by his son, Jan Valckenier. Melocactus, also called the melon cactus, is a genus of cactus with about 30-40 species. They are native to the Caribbean, western Mexico through Central America to northern South America, with some species along the Andes down to southern Peru, and a concentration of species in northeastern Brazil. Mature plants are easily recognizable by their cephalium, a wool- and bristle-coated structure at the apex of the plant, containing a mass of areoles from which the small flowers grow (modified after Wiki). No ownership marks. Rare work.