The epithet matanzanus is derived from the Cuban province of Matanzas.

Melocactus matanzanus is a perennial fleshy globose plant.

When the plant has reached a certain age it shows at the growing tip a cephalium (hence the common name of "Turk's Cap"), a globose structure covered with reddish-brown bristles.

This plant is native to the north-central area of Cuba.

It is a popular and desirable species throughout the world as an ornamental plant.