Maractus is a cactus-like Pokémon, with large ear-like extensions. These extensions feature dark green spiky arrangements at the base, yellow spikes further up, and flowers, with pink petals and yellow centers, at the top. It has a yellow spike on its head, yellow eyes and a spiky-looking mouth. Other dark green spiky arrangements adorn its neck, the wrists of its yellow-fingered arms, and base. Its base has three foot or root-like stubs.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Moving its body rhythmically makes its body create maraca-like sounds. It can produce up-temp songs and dance.
Behavior
It will use up-tempo songs and dancing to scare away any bird Pokémon that may feed on its flower seeds.
Habitat
Maractus live in arid regions and dry desert-like areas.
Maractus shares its species name with Cacnea. They are both known as Cactus Pokémon.
Two of Maractus's Abilities revolve around a real-world cactus's tolerance to water: Water Absorb absorbs direct damage to restore health from them, also making it immune, while Storm Drain draws in Template:Type2 moves directed at another target, as well as making it immune to them.
Although Maractus can only be found at the Desert Resort where a permanent sandstorm rages, it cannot have any Ability negating sandstorm damage, nor is it Rock-, Ground-, or Steel-type, and thus is susceptible to damage by the sandstorm.
Origin
Maractus appears to be based on a flowering cactus, most likely the prickly pear, and a maraca. It also physically resembles a rabbit and may be a visual pun on the bunny ears cactus. It also seems to be based on traditional Mexican dress styles and, due to the fact that it dances and makes maraca-like sounds, may mean it probably may be based on Spanish dances, possibly the Mexican version of the Cuban Son.
Name origin
Maractus is likely a combination of maraca and cactus. Maracacchi is likely a combination of maraca and mariachi.
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.