Description
Mammillaria spinosissima is a columnar plant. It’s usually solitary, but it can form pups on old plants. M. spinosissima is very variable because of its wide area of origin in Mexico. The colour of the spines vary from red or rust to white.
Stem: Cylindrical, dark blue-green, rarely exceeding 30 cm in height, 6 - 7 (10 cm) cm in diameter. Without latex. Parastichy: 13 - 21
Tubercles: Ovate conical, four-sided basally. The axil is slightly woolly.
Radial spines: 20 - 25, white, bristle-like, 4 - 6 mm long.
Central spines: 12 - 15, pinkish-white, stronger than the radials and thicker at the base, straight, 10 - 12 mm long.
Flowers: Vivid purple/ red to deep pink, 12 mm in length and in diameter, encircling the columnar stems.
Blooming season: Late winter and spring,
Fruits: Purplish red or greenish.
Seeds: Brown.
Origin and Habitat
Garden origin (Nursery produced selection)
Cultivation and Propagation
Its qualities and ease of cultivation justify its being an old favourite. It doesn’t requires any special treatment, but needs as much light as possible without burning the plant, in order to encourage the heaviest spine formation. Water regularly in summer, keep dry in winter.
Frost tolerance: -4° C.
Propagation: Seeds or offsets.
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