Xerophyte

Central Spines

2-4, sometimes only 1 in an occasional areola, usually a little longer and darker than the radials, reddish brown with darker tips, straight, stout, 10-12 mm long.

Seeds

Brown.

Description

Mammillaria brandegeeiSN|23737]]SN|23737]] is a great looking cactus, solitary or eventually forming clusters of 2 to 8, but is sensitive to low temperatures and needs extra heat in winter. Four subspecies recognized, the nominate, gabbii (J.M. Coult.) D.R.Hunt, lewisiana (H.E.Gates) D.R.Hunt and glareosa (Boed.) D.R.Hunt.

Tubercles

Firm, square and angled basally, conical above with latex, axils woolly without hairlike bristles.

Flowers

Greenish-yellow, brownish yellow, to yellow 15-21 mm long; outer perianth-segments ovate, striate, ciliate; inner perianth-segments greenish yellow with a reddish-brown midstripe, narrower than the outer, entire.

Blooming Season

Spring (April in habitat).

Stem

Cylindric to globular, flattened, dark green, to 9 cm in diameter.

Radial Spines

9 to 16, whitish to yellowish brown, with dark tips, needle-like, 8 to 10 mm long stiff, straight.

Fruits

White to dull pink slow ripening, bearing a few narrow scales.