Xerophyte

Description

The typical Mammillaria schiedeanaSN|2257]]SN|2251]] subs. giselae (Mammillaria giselaeSN|2251]]SN|2257]]) is a small clustering cactus with up to 15, or rarely as many as 35 stems. Individual cluster up to 10 cm in diameter (or more in cultivation). It has about 16-21 radials ( 2- 5 mm long), fine, needle-like, feathery, flexible, somewhat pectinated, white, yellow to almost orange and few very central set between the series of radials and very short, from 0.17 mm long. The flower are pale pink to pink, with darker, narrow midstripe.

Crested Growth

The crested form is cultivated for its fan shaped stem with dense bristly spine. Flowers are produced on the the apex of crested stems too. Crested specimens are often grafted on stronger species, called the stock, that can be any number of different columnar cactus.