Xerophyte

Habit

It is a small low growing crested cactus that will slowly forms tangled groups up to 20 cm in diameter.

Description

The standard Mammillaria pectiniferaSN|20721]]SN|1537]] is a well known small cactus that appears above the ground as a squat, spherical stem, completely covered by pectinate (comb-like), flattened spines. The crested form Mammillaria pectinifera f. cristataSN|1537]]SN|20721]] - despite to its beauty - is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Note

This plant has different crested forms some very thin and other wide and strong.

Flowers

Medium-sized in a ring around the sides of the globe, white to pink with darker mid-strip, 20-30 mm long and also in diameter. Stigmas are green. The crested plants usually do not flower, thought some flowers will be sporadically produced on the wide crested form.

Spines

20-40, pectinate (comb-like), flattened against the body, fine, numerous, white, 1,5-2 mm long. Lacking central spines.