Xerophyte

Habit

It is a small low growing plant that offsets from the base to form a small cluster or mound.

Central Spines

Usually absent, or occasionally one, bristly, very thin, redish-brown and erect.

Seeds

Brownish black, coarsely pitted.

Description

Usually this Mammillaria crinitaSN|8862]]SN|8841]] forma monstruosa is offered with the incorrect name of Mammillaria painteriSN|8862]]SN|8862]] (monstrous form). It is a well known cultivar characterized by very reduced bristly or absent spines, free branching, and small pink flowers.

Note

The flowers of plants grafted on Opuntia humifusaSN|11629]]SN|11629]] are not only very abundant but also reach a whole maturation and open to a splendid blossoming. In comparison the flowers of plants on their own roots and on different grafting stocks are smaller, imperfect, and usually fail to open completely.

Tubercles

Conical or cylindrical, not compacted, usually without bristles in their axils, and without latex.

Flowers

Narrowly funnel-shaped 15 mm long, light pink not opening widely, the outer segments brownish; inner perianth-segments broad, with an ovate acute tip; stamens white; stigma-lobes cream-coloured.

Stem

Globose, dark green, about 2-8 high and cm in diameter, the monstrous form can eventually grow to be larger than the normal Mammillaria painteriSN|8841]]SN|8862]].

Radial Spines

up to 6 but usually less and often absent, white, very thin, hair-like, inconspicuous.

Fruits

Globose to ovate, green to bright red.