Publication: Cact. Suc. Mex. 11: 55 (figs. 23-25). 1966
Description
Mammillaria saboae is a low clustering, mat-forming geophyte succulent.
Stem: Tiny, round to ovoid, soft-bodied, 10-20 mm in diameter, 10-40 mm tall. axils bare, without latex. Axil mostly naked.
Roots: Fleshy branching.
Radial spines: 18 - 27, glassy white with a yellow base, thin, a little curved, 2 to 6 mm long.
Central spines: Absent or occasionally 1 , straight to 2 mm long.
Flowers: Large 4-6,5 cm in diameter, funnel-shaped, dark lilac-pink to pinkish magenta, larger and deeper coloured than the type, stigmas yellowish.
Fruits: The fruits mature inside the plant and remain for years sunken into the stems, as in the type.
Seeds: Black.
Origin and Habitat
Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico. Altitude 2.100 to 2.200 mtr.
Habitat: Grows on volcanic slabs of rock. In habitat, the plants contract considerably during the dry season, sometimes pulling down completely under the soil. Their flowers can push up through the dirt.
Cultivation and Propagation
Clustering in cultivation and easily flowered it is not really easy. It has a thick tuberous root system and is susceptible to over-watering, and it’s especially prone to rot. Therefore, underpot in a shallow pot with good drainage, filled with a very open mineral-based potting mix, and only use the smallest diameter pot that will accommodate the plant. . Plants need to be kept dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. 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 huge pink-violet flowers.
Initially this species appears easy to cultivate, but the grower should not be surprised if clumps suddenly dry up, especially in the winter season. Hardy to -5°C. Very sensitive to red spider mite. Overhead watering is helpful in controlling mites.
Propagation: Seeds, division off larger clumps or graft. Seeds can be sown in the spring or summer. The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted, after which they can be planted separately in small pots. To make cuttings wait until the offsets that appear at the base of old clustered specimens are 1/3 the size of the parent and then detach and plant.
Cultivars and forms (4)
Varieties (1)
Forms (1)
Gallery
