Xerophyte

Habit

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

Central Spines

0-1 or 2 (occasiaonally 4). The long central spine is not present on all the clones, yellowish, hooked, to 8 mm long, pubescent.

Seeds

Blackish brown.

Description

The standard Mammillaris duwei is a well known small cactus that appears above the ground as a squat, spherical stem, completely covered by tight pubescent spines. The crested form (Mammillaria duwei f. cristataSN|20887]]SN|20887]]) - despite to its beauty - is still very rare and sought after by collectors, for its unique features.

Tubercles

Small, clavate 4-5 mm high, With a woolly axil and little hair.

Flowers

Funnel-form, less deeply set, yellowish/cream to light yellow, about 20 mm long and in diameter. Inner segments lanceolate, widely spreading, accuminate, style and stigma lobes greenish.

Blooming Season

Flowers readily, and for a long period from spring to the early summer.

Stem

Fan-shaped about 3,5 thick, dark green, soft, globoid, flattened-globose, to shortly cylindrical.

Radial Spines

28-36, acicular, thin, white, brownish at base, pubescent, 3,5-4 mm long, interlacing and densely wrapped against the body of the cactus.

Fruits

Light red to red, elongated.