Xerophyte

Habit

It is a small low growing crested cactus that will slowly forms white tangled groups up to 10 cm in diameter. The plant grows deep-seated in substrate and is inconspicuous, but it cultivation it is almost always seen grafted on columnar cacti.

Central Spines

Absent.

Seeds

Black.

Description

Mammillaria lasiacantha subs. egregiaSN|17187]]SN|13772]] is a well known tiny geophytic cactus that forms small snow-white ball. The crest form (Mammillaria lasiacantha subs. egregia f. cristataSN|13772]]SN|17187]]) - despite to its beauty - is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Roots

Diffuse, not enlarged.

Tubercles

Cylindrical, without latex, axils bare.

Flowers

Approx 1 cm long and in diameter; dirty greenish-white or cream, usually with sharply defined midstripes of reddish-brown.

Blooming Season

January to March

Spines

50 or more per areole, in several series but all equally thin, mostly appressed, white, innocuous, bristle-like, 0,5-6 mm, glabrous, all interpreted as radial, innermost spines shortest.

Stem

Fan-shaped, grey-green, up to 5 cm in width (but usually less).

Fruits

Scarlet, cylindrical or clavate, 10-25 mm long, with floral remnant persistent, ripening in June-August.