Description
What is this plant?
The first specimens of this unusual cactus was sold as an improbable but sticking hybrid between a Toumeya papyracantha and Echinocereus knippelianus. However the plant is presumably a cross between a Mammillaria sp. with an unknown cactus or more likely a monstrous form of Mammillaria.
Habit: Clustering mat-forming.
Stem: 4 to 5cm wide, up to 4 cm tall, flattened and soft.
Ribs: Vertical formed by a row of elongated tubercles.
Central spines: Bright orange and yellow, flexible with a bent tip, but not hooked. They are also flat and not pungent.
Radial spines: Glassy white, bristly.
Roots: Tuberose, very juicy and pink.
Flowers: Pink in a ring around the crown.
This plant is also very similar (but not the same) to Mammillaria cv. Dolichothele x Un Pico, actually this second species has more thin, straight and longer central spines, and very few thin white radial spines per areole. Furthermore the “Toumeya papyracantha x knippelianus” hybrid has characteristic swollen pink roots very different from those of the “Dolichothele x Un Pico” hybrid.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin ( This plant is a nursery produced cultivar, it is sometime available in the market and labelled as Toumeya papyracantha x Echinocereus knippelianus hybrid but the true identity and origin of this hybrid is unknown)
Cultivation and Propagation
It is a species of easy culture, recommended for any collection that needs lots of light with ample airflow. Water regularly in summer, but do not overwater (very wet-sensitively, especially in light of its small root system). Water thoroughly only if soil is dry to the touch, let soil dry in between to prevent root rot, keep dry in winter.
Use a very porous mineral-based potting mix, with excellent drainage, as can be achieved by the addition of extra perlite or pumice. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. Care must be taken with watering as they tends to become swollen and untidy in growth habit if given too much water and shade. Sun Exposure: High levels of light are needed to flower and for good spine development. Can be sunburned if moved from shade/greenhouse into full sun too quickly. During the spring it may be able to take full sun until the heat arrives at the end of spring. In an area that has hot afternoon sun, it may be able to take full morning sun, but requires afternoon shade or afternoon light shade. If grown correctly, it will reward the grower with generous displays of flowers. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -5° C (or less) A resting period in winter and strong light are necessary so that it can flower properly. Clustering in cultivation and easily flowered. For best results, use a shallow pot, and only use the smallest diameter pot that will accommodate the plant. Sensitive to red spider mite. Overhead watering is helpful in controlling mites.
Propagation: Through cuttings or grafting.
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