Xerophyte

Central Spines

Usually absent, sometimes 2, yellow to brownish, with dark tips, 10 - 15 mm long.

Seeds

Brown.

Description

Mammillaria microheliaSN|28215]] is a succulent ground cover, forming with time a tight clumps of erect, ascending, prostrate or recumbent stems. This may be the most common Mammillaria to be found and occurs in more variations than any other Mammillaria species.

Roots

Fibrous.

Tubercles

Tubercles slender conical arranged in perfect spiral in a few rows. The axil is naked or nearly so.

Flowers

Small bell shaped to 10 mm long and in diameter at the upper part of the plant. Perianth segments about 12, rather broad, obtuse or sometimes apiculate. whitish, pale yellow or pinkish, sometimes flushed pink or with pink midstripes.

Crested Growth

Due to to its beauty and ease of propagation this crested form (Mammillaria elongata f. cristataSN|28234]]SN|28234]] is very common and sought after by collectors, for its unique features. There are several clones in cultivation with spines ranging from white or yellow to rusty red.

Stem

Elongated cylindrical, finger-like, 1 - 3 cm in diameter 3-10 cm long.

Fruits

Pink, becoming red.

Note

This is a popular species, but many cultivated forms are hybrids, especially with Mammillaria microheliaSN|28215]].

Blooming Season

Spring, but can bloom for a second time later in the year.

Radial Spines

14 - 25 interlocking, arranged as a Astar, variable in number, white to golden yellow to brown, the degree of brown colouring varying from plant to plant, slender, needle-like, more or less recurved 4 - 12 mm long.

Areoles

Pubescent when young.