Xerophyte

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.