Mammillaria is a genus that constitutes the largest group of perennial cactus species belonging to the Cactaceae family. This group of plants is made up of more than 350 species characterized by the bulbous shape with a short, cylindrical body..
Native to the central region of Mexico, they are characterized by their short stature, prolific growth and the presence of tubers or mammillas. In fact, its body lacks ribs, but it is covered by these conical formations distributed in spiral by the plant.
A peculiarity that differentiates this genus of cacti are the areolas covered with silky and robust thorns. These are arranged around the tuber in a starry shape. Its attractive flowers of different colors emerge from these structures, between white, yellow, pink, red and purple..
Most of these species are short to medium-sized, with tiny berry-shaped fruits in shades of white, green, or red. These cacti are easy to propagate, they are even regularly marketed in pots for ornamental and decorative purposes..
From an ecological point of view, most of its wild populations are under threat or in danger of extinction. This endemic genus of Mexico has lost a lot of natural space due to its high level of extraction for illegal commercialization purposes..
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Most species of the genus Mammillaria they are tubular cacti 2-5 cm thick and 12-15 cm high. In fact, each foot develops numerous basal shoots of firm or creeping growth establishing small isolated colonies..
The stems are made up of small conical mammillas or tubers 0.3-0.5 cm long that develop 15 to 20 lateral spines, being fragile and pale yellow in color. Likewise, it develops 1-3 firmer central spines, some curved and dark in color.
New shoots and flower buds emerge at the base of each mammilla. In fact, in the genre Mammillaria the areolas are divided into two sections, the apex where the spines emerge and the base where shoots and flowers emerge.
The flowers are relatively larger than the mammillas. They emerge at their base and open above the lateral spines. The numerous petals present the characteristic colors of each species and in the center there are multiple yellow stamens and a multi-lobed stigma..
The fruits are small fleshy conical capsules of reddish-brown or orange colors. In each fruit, between 5 and 20 slightly leathery ovoid seeds with dark tones develop.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Cacteae
- Gender: Mammillaria Haw.
- Mammillaria: the generic name derives from Latin "mammilla" what does it mean "tuber", referring to the modified stem or tuber characteristic of the genus.
Members of the genus Mammillaria They are native to the American continent, specifically to Mexico, the southern US, the Antilles, and the coasts of Venezuela. The towns of Guanajuato, Hidalgo and Querétaro are the Mexican regions with the highest concentration of varieties and endemic species.
These cacti are exclusive to desert ecosystems and are characterized by tolerating wide temperature ranges, both hot and cold, as well as requiring little humidity. Thus, they adapt and survive in extreme environments of desert climates and very arid environments, where other species do not survive..
The Cactus Mammillaria they reproduce through seeds or vegetatively by division of basal shoots. The difference between both methods is related to the propagation time and the genetic variability obtained when using seeds..
The seeds are selected from the mature fruits of healthy and vigorous plants free from pests, diseases or physical damage. The fruits are left to dry in the environment or are placed between absorbent paper to speed up drying and facilitate the extraction of the seeds..
The best time to establish the sowing is during the cool months of March-April, distributing the seeds on a loose and well-drained substrate. Germination trays or low pots can be used, keeping humidity and trying to cover the seeds with a thin layer of substrate.
It is advisable to cover each container with a plastic to guarantee constant temperatures and avoid the drying of the substrate. These are placed in a shady place, with an average temperature of 21 ºC and continuous humidity until the beginning of germination..
Germination occurs at 30-60 days or more, being the opportune moment to remove the plastic and place the container in partial shade. This process occurs gradually, so moisture and shading must be guaranteed to the seeds that have not yet germinated..
Once the plants have acquired a certain size and firmness to withstand handling, they proceed to transplant into individual containers. It should be borne in mind that propagation by seeds is a slow process, so it takes more than a year to transplant.
Basal shoots are new structures that include roots, stems or buds that are born at the base of the mother plant. These shoots generally have small adventitious roots that favor the development of the new plant..
Sprout separation is done with a well-sharpened and sanitized tool to avoid cross contamination. Once separated from the mother plant, it is sown directly on a loose substrate, avoiding watering the first 15 days..
In the event that the sprout does not present roots, it is left to dry for 7 days before proceeding to transplant. Once the basal shoot is transplanted, the new plant is managed as an adult plant, watering occasionally and providing lighting..
The Cactus Mammillaria They need to be transplanted from time to time, in order to free the root system and promote its growth. Transplantation is necessary when, despite perfect watering, fertilizing and sun exposure, the plant has slowed its growth rate..
In addition, with the transplant the health status of the roots is controlled, eliminating damaged ends or symptoms of disease. When part of the root system is discarded, it is not advisable to water the plant to promote effective root healing.
The ideal substrate for this type of cactus is made up of one part of coarse sand or perlite and two parts of compost. When sowing it is necessary to keep the drainage hole free, since watering is critical for these plants..
The use of clay pots is recommended, which allow to maintain air circulation between the substrate and the exterior. In addition, they must be wider than deep, since the root system expands to the sides.
The irrigation application is carried out when it is observed that the substrate is completely dry. An average would be to water once a week during spring-summer, and once a month during autumn-winter, depending on the temperature and humidity..
During the winter it is advisable to suppress watering unless the plant expresses some physiological damage. In addition, it is necessary to avoid keeping the substrate very humidity, since the Mammillaria are very susceptible to excess moisture in the substrate.
Like all cacti, Mammillaria They require full sun exposure during all seasons of the year. The ideal is to maintain an exposure to the south, and avoid exposure to the north that can cause the burning of young plants.
Temperatures during spring-summer can range between 15 and 25 ºC, while in autumn-winter they can vary from 10 to 15 ºC, avoiding environments below 10 ºC. In low temperature conditions, it is advisable to keep the plant dry and ventilated.
During the spring-summer periods it is advisable to apply a liquid fertilizer every 25-30 days that favors the development and flowering of the cactus. On the other hand, during autumn-winter the application of fertilizers is not opportune, since the plant is in vegetative rest.
The suggested formula to ensure optic growth and vigorous flowering is a balanced nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilizer "30:30:30". Likewise, the regular application of microelements necessary for specific deficiencies is necessary, such as boron, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and zinc..
Flowering begins at the beginning of summer and continues throughout the season. By maintaining the fair contribution of factors such as irrigation, lighting and fertilization, an excellent flowering of the mammillaria cacti is guaranteed..
Most species of the genus Mammillaria They are used as ornamental indoor plants due to their large and attractive flowers.
Among the main species used as ornamentals, we can mention the Mammillaria senilis, Mammillaria schiedeana dumetorum, Mammillaria surculosa, Mammillaria schwarzii, Mammillaria roseoalba Y Mammillaria tayloriorum.
Certain species of mammillarias have chemical compounds that provide medicinal properties, such as disinfectants or healing. Indeed, a milky liquid is extracted from the succulent stems, used to disinfect and heal ulcers or wounds..
The fleshy fruits of certain species of the genus Mammillaria They are used in some localities as a garnish for artisan dishes.
Globose cactus 4-7 cm tall with numerous pinkish mammillae with 10-12 lateral white spines and 1-3 central hook-shaped spines. Originally from Mexico, they are very resistant to intense sun and have a very showy yellow bloom.
Cactus of dense consistency grouped in cylindrical and erect stems 6-15 cm long and small apical yellowish-white flowers. Species that inhabits deserted areas of Mexico, being endemic to the States of Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Querétaro.
Fleshy and cylindrical species that forms small purple-reddish cushions, 10-15 cm high and 2-3 cm in diameter. Endemic to Mexico, it is distributed throughout Baja California and is characterized by its pink campanulate flowers.
Catus that forms abundant clumps or branches of green stems covered with dense white thorns. Native to the States of Hidalgo and Querétaro in Mexico, it is characterized by whitish-yellow flowers and small orange-colored fruits..
Cactus branching from the base forming small groups of cylindrical stems, erect, pale green and 8-20 cm tall. They live in the arid regions of the States of Chihuahua and Sonora in Mexico. They have pale pink funnel-shaped flowers.
Cactus with spherical or cylindrical stems with abundant gray-greenish flat bearings that reach up to 10 cm in height. Widely spread globally as an ornamental, inhabits desert environments and is endemic to the states of Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Querétaro.
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