Xerophyte

Central Spines

Absent.

Seeds

Dull black, diameter approx 1 mm.

Description

Mammillaria lentaSN|1132]]SN|1132]] is a very slow growing succulent that branches basally to form quite large flat-topped mounds of off-white to white with age. Some plants will begin to offset when just a few cm across, while others are more reluctant to produce offsets. Slower growing than the somewhat similar M. plumosa.

Roots

Large, tuberous.

Flowers

Produces rings of large pure white flowers with a purplish-pinkish stripe, 20(-25) mm long and 25 mm in diameter. Stigmas are a bright olive-green. Perianth segment pointed.

Blooming Season

April/May. Flowering may be reluctant unless it is placed in a warm position with high light levels.

Stem

Flattened globular (or small columnar in cultivation) without latex., almost hidden by the white delicate spines, bright green to yellow green, typically (3-) 5 to 10 cm in diameter, 1 – 2 (or more) cm high. Offsets may be produced low on the plant, or unusually high near the growing tip.

Radial Spines

30 - 40, dense, fine, soft and close together giving the effect of looking like a bird's nest glassy white to slightly yellow, 3 - 7 mm long.

Fruits

Clavate, red, up to 10 mm long.

Areoles

Naked.Parastichy number