Publication: Mammillaria Postscripts 6: 10 10 1997
Description
Mammillaria hahniana subs. woodsii, formerly known as Mammillaria woodsii, is one of the subspecies of Mammillaria hahniana which is a widespread and morphologically variable taxon. This is a rather squat form with small tubercles of dark green each tipped with a tiny star of white radial spine from which rise the brown or black-brown central spines of which the lower is the longer. These make a spot of brown in the growing centre among the dense white wool. It has 25-30 radial spines, usually has 2 central spines, and pink flowers, but most botanist agree on the fact that this subspecies should all be included in the Mammillaria hahniana as perhaps not worthy of even varietal status. Flowers appear most heavily in spring and summer. It belongs to a group of very easily cultivated plants, decorative with pleasing appearance of stems and flowers alike.
Origin and Habitat
Near Hacienda de Tarajeas, Guanajuato.
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a rapid growing species that will form large clumps rather rapidly when compared to other Mammillaria species. Needs lots and lots of space to grow. Water regularly in summer, but do not overwater (Rot prone) Use pot 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 as low as -5° C (some reports give it hardy to -12°C) Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.
Propagation: Division, direct sow after last frost.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
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Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
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Urs Eggli, Leonard E. Newton “Etymological Dictionary of Succulent Plant Names.” Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg 2010
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“The American Horticultural Magazine”, Volumi 18-19, 1939
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[PDF] - Deutsche Kakteen-Gesellschaft E.V., Sitz Nürnberg, Kolerstr. 22. Jahrgang 3 Oktober 1952, KuaS 1952 Heft 4 (PDF 4537.7 kB)<http://www.dkg.eu/cs/download.pl?id=1213&navid=1304&lang=de >
