Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually 2 (or rarely 3), straight, stronger than the radial, one ascending, one descending, 4-6 mm long.

Seeds

Brown.

Description

Mammillaria grusoniiSN|15979]]SN|15974]] is undoubtedly one of the largest species in the genus and usually solitary (it has a tendency to remain the same in the culture). It reveals its true beauty only as it becomes 6 -10 years old, and reaches 30 cm or more in diameter. This species shows a considerable variation in the spination, from quite short spines to very long, the latter named as Mammillaria tesopacensis var. papasquiarensisSN|15974]]SN|15979]] at one time.

Tubercles

Basally four-angled, carinate, without latex, the axil is woolly at first, later naked.

Flowers

Bell shaped, funnel-form, diurnal, light yellow-cream or pinkish with darker (brown or purple) midstripe with a yellowish throat, up to 25 mm long and in diameter.

Blooming Season

Spring, and flowers remain open for about three or four days.

Stem

globose to thick cylindrical, light blue-green, up to 30 cm and 25 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

12-14, straight, needle-like, upper ones shorter, 6-8 mm long, at first reddish, tipped brown, later grey or snowy- white.

Fruits

Scarlet, club shaped.