Xerophyte

Description

Mammillaria "Arizona Snowcap" is a monstrous form of Mammillaria vetulaSN|9161]]SN|9161]] ssp. gracilis which is characterised by densely packed separate clusters of spines. It looks so different to the wild species that it isn’t easy to realise that they are related. This cultivar offsets generously from sides and upper part of plant, which gives it a snowball appearance. Mature group can reach 10-12 cm in diameter and 6-8 (10) cm in height.

Flowers

Small, about 12 mm long and in diameter, cream-yellow with pinkish o brownish midstripe in early spring.

Spines

Short, white, thick and more densely packaged than its close relativeMammillaria gracilisis.

Stem

Dark green almost concealed by the spines. Shortly cylindrical, to 8 cm long, 1 - 3 cm in diameter and branching profusely by sides, the offsets easily detaches.