Mammillaria pilcayensis
Anales Inst. Biol. Univ. Nac. Mexico 28: 37, 1957
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Species
Mammillaria pilcayensis
Author
Bravo
Chinese genus
乳突球属
Chinese name
-
DescriptionEdit description
Habit
The plants are solitary or sparsely branched from the base, with stems almost horizontal and threatening to hang down, although they continue to flower prolifically.
Central Spines
About 14 (-17), thin, needle-like, bristly, very thin and flexible, translucent greyish white or yellow, sometimes brown tipped, 5-6 mm long.
Seeds
Brown.
Description
Mammillaria spinosissimaSN|13792]]SN|13783]] ssp pilcayensis is distinguishing subspecies that has whiter, shorter and very dense spination, and the stems can grow up to 50 cm long. Central and radial spines are all similar, about 30-34, pale glassy yellow and 5-6 mm long. It might have some latex and bristles in the axils. The flowers are purple-pink. It is very similar to Mammillaria pitcayensisSN|13783]]SN|13792]]var. chrysodactyla.
Note
"pilcayensis" For the occurrence in the Barranca de Pilcaya, Guerrero, Mexico.
Tubercles
Ovate-conical to cylindrical-conical, 5 mm long and 2-3 mm in diameter, four-sided basally, soft, with milky juice. Axil woolly and with 8-10 slender bristles. Tubercule arrangement 13-21.
Flowers
Purplish, about 2 cm long and in diameter.
Stem
Cylindrical, dark blue-green, 15-50 cm in length, 4(-5) cm in diameter and may need something to lean on. May have some latex.
Radial Spines
17, similar to the centrals.
Fruits
Dull purplish red or greenish.