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Mammillaria aureilanata Backeb.

Family: CACTACEAE

Publication: Beitr. Sukkulentenk. Sukkulentenpflege 1938: 13.

Description

Globular cactus, generally solitary.

Stem: Depressed globose, glossy dark green without latex, to 7.5 cm high up to 10 cm in diameter, tuberous basally.

Tubercle: Cylindrical, widely separated,with watery sap, 12 mm. long, 2-3 mm. wide at base.

Spines: Only radials 25 - 30, bristly, flexible hair-like transparent white to yellowish.

Roots: Fat taproot.

Flowers: Bell shaped, 15 - 30 mm long and in diameter the Mammillaria aureilanata var. alba has creamy flowers in winter while the Mammillaria aureilanata var. aureilanata has large pink flowers.

Blooming season: Flowers from February to April.

Fruit: Pinkish-white, club-shaped.

Seeds: Black.

Origin and Habitat

Mexico, State San Luis Potosi, North of San Luis Potosí in a small area in the lower parts of Tezontle hill 1300- 1900 m (Villar, Estación La Ventura, Cerritos, Guadalcázar )

Cultivation and Propagation

It is a rapid growing species . Water regularly in summer, but do not overwater (Rot prone) It will need a pot with sufficient depth to allow the tap root. with good drainage and a very porous potting media, keep dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry (hardy to -5° C) Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.

Propagation: Direct sow after last frost. (seldom produces offsets)

Cultivars and forms (2)