Xerophyte

Habit

Solitary or clumping basally.

Central Spines

1-2, sometimes absent, hooked and erect, stout, light brown with dark tips, 4-8 mm long.

Seeds

Blackish grey.

Description

Mammillaria gasserianaSN|22515]]SN|9179]] is a slow and difficult species, densely covered in white appressed, radial spines with pinkish-brown central spines. It is sensitive to any excess of moisture and does not do well in cultivation, but will reward the skilled growers with ring of fine cream-brown flowers circling the crown of the plant. This plant is often known under the name of Mammillaria viescensisSN|9244]]SN|9183]]. This species is quite common in habitat, but variable throughout the region.

Roots

Swollen.

Tubercles

Densely-packed, cylindrical to conical, rounded apically, without latex, axils naked.

Flowers

Broad-funnelform 7-8 mm in diameter, circling the crown of the plant. Tepals cream-white, with light brown mid-stripes. Throats greenish.

Stem

Spherical to somewhat elongate with depressed apexes, 3-4 cm across.

Radial Spines

40-50, sometimes pectinate or flattened against the stem surface, white, 5-8 mm long.

Fruits

Club shaped, brownish red, 6-9 mm long.