Publication: Cactus & Co. Vol. IX, 2, 115, 2005
Description
Mammillaria cv. Chiara Blando (or ” Blando Chiara ”) is one of the most beautiful cultivars obtained by the cactus grower Ignazio Blando (Trapani, Sicily, Italy). This cultivar is an odd monstrous plant with narrow spineless areoles derived from the even more rare Mammillaria cv. Blando that was found in a batch of Mammillaria gueldelmanniana guirocobensis, obtained from seeds purchased from Khores (Germany).
Habit: This cultivars is easily grown into crowded clumps or mounds, but it does often have an irregular pattern of offsetting. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps can be produced in a few years.
Stem: Depressed-globose to somewhat elongated (depending on growing condition) 3-7 cm in diameter, green, with white wool in the centre, and also in the older areoles.
Tubercles: Hatchet-shaped, laterally compressed, and often thinner the the above standing areoles.
Areoles: Very distinctive, conspicuous, in relief, extremely elongated, 7-20 mm long and 3-5 mm broad, densely covered with dull white felt.
Spines: Absent, or few, very thin, bristly, white, less than 5 mm long scattered along the areole.
Flowers. Not seen.
Similar cultivars: A similar abnormal uncoordinated form of vegetative growth, is also seen in Mammillaria pectinifera f. monstruosa.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
This plant is grown exclusively grafted. Keep well ventilated, protect from frosts and freezes. Give plenty of light to keep plant compact, but avoid direct sun exposure in the hottest part of the day during the summer.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Cactus & Co Vol. II, 2, 1998
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Cactus & Co Vol. IX, 2, 115, 2005