Xerophyte

Central Spines

Stout, twisted, interwoven, purplish with dark brown tips, later grey, variable in number usually (3-)4, sometimes one, of which (2-)3 about twice as long as the radial ones, the other more centrally placed much elongated, 2 to 7 cm long (in cultivation this elongated spine does not always occur).

Seeds

Brown.

Description

Mammillaria mystaxSN|20654]]SN|20654]] is a single stemmed cactus with neat pyramid-shape tubercles and with age can offset to form loose clumps. In its wild state its crown is entirely covered with long entangled, erect, central spines which overtop the plan. The species is common in cultivation and produces a profusion of rose coloured flowers in a ring around the crown of the stem. Spines are of variable shape and length, occasionally they are very long (up to 7 cm long).

Tubercles

In as many as 34 rows, prominent, thickly set, firm, pyramidal, four- to six-angled, sharply keeled, 1-1,5 cm long, 8 mm broad, full of milk which freely flows when pricked or cut, axils with wool and bristles.

Flowers

Rose purple with brownish midveins, 10-25 mm long and in diameter appearing in 2 or 3 rows, very abundant. Inner perianth-segments dark red, 12 mm long. Stigma-lobes 4 or 5, greenish.

Blooming Season

It flowers from February to April.

Stem

Globose to short-cylindric, 7 to 15 cm. high, 7-10 cm in diameter, flat-topped dark grey-green, eventually dividing dichotomically.

Radial Spines

3 to 10, small, spreading, white often with darker tips, 4-8 mm long.

Fruits

Red, club shaped, 2 to 2.5 cm long.