MAMMILLARIA: CHARACTERISTICS, HABITAT, CULTIVATION, USES AND SPECIES - BIOLOGY - 2025

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 size, 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 a spiral around the plant.

Cactus of the genus Mammillaria. Source: pixabay.com

A particularity that differentiates this genus of cactus are the areolas covered with silky and robust thorns. These are arranged around the tuber in a starry way. From these structures emerge their attractive flowers of different colors, between white, yellow, pink, red and purple.

Most of these species are short to medium-sized, with tiny berry-shaped fruits of white, green, or red hues. 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.

General characteristics

Appearance

Most species of the genus Mammillaria are tubular cacti 2-5 cm thick and 12-15 cm tall. In fact, each foot develops numerous basal shoots of firm or creeping growth establishing small isolated colonies.

Stem

The stems are made up of small conical mammillas or tubers 0.3-0.5 cm long that develop from 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 genus Mammillaria the areolas are divided into two sections, the apex where the spines emerge and the base where shoots and flowers emerge.

Flowers of the cactus of the genus Mammillaria. Source: pixabay.com

flowers

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 multilobed stigma.

Fruit

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.

Taxonomy

- Kingdom: Plantae

- Division: Magnoliophyta

- Class: Magnoliopsida

- Order: Caryophyllales

- Family: Cactaceae

- Subfamily: Cactoideae

- Tribe: Cacteae

- Genus: Mammillaria Haw.

Etymology

- Mammillaria: the generic name derives from the Latin «mammilla» which means «tuber», in reference to the modified stem or characteristic tuber of the genus.

Habitat and distribution

Members of the genus Mammillaria are native to the American continent, specifically Mexico, southern US, 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 climate and very arid environments, where other species do not survive.

Fruits of cacti of the genus Mammillaria. Source: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Spread

Mammillaria cacti 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.

Seed

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 accelerate 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 right time to remove the plastic and place the container in partial shade. This process occurs gradually, so moisture and shade 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 seed propagation is a slow process, so it takes more than a year to transplant.

Basal shoot division

Basal shoots are new structures that include roots, stems or buds that are born at the base of the mother plant. Generally, these shoots have small adventitious roots that favor the development of the new plant.

Sprout separation is done with a well-sharpened and disinfected 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 allowed 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.

Detail of the mammillae of the Mammillaria-Carmenae cactus. Source: pixabay.com

Culture

Transplant

Mammillaria cacti 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 sanitary state of the roots is controlled, eliminating damaged ends or symptoms of disease. When part of the root system is discarded, it is not convenient 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 drain hole free, since watering is critical for these plants.

The use of clay pots is recommended, which allow maintaining air circulation between the substrate and the exterior. In addition, they must be wider than they are deep, since the root system expands to the sides.

Irrigation

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 moist, as Mammillaria are very susceptible to excess moisture in the substrate.

illumination

Like all cacti, Mammillaria 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.

Fertilization

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

Flowering begins in early 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.

Colony of cacti of the genus Mammillaria. Source: pixabay.com

Applications

Ornamental

Most of the species of the genus Mammillaria are used as ornamental indoor plants due to their large and attractive flowers.

Among the main species used as ornamentals, we can mention Mammillaria senilis, Mammillaria schiedeana dumetorum, Mammillaria surculosa, Mammillaria schwarzii, Mammillaria roseoalba and Mammillaria tayloriorum.

Medicinal

Certain species of mammillarias have chemical compounds that provide medicinal properties, such as disinfectants or healing. Indeed, from the succulent stems a milky liquid is extracted used to disinfect and heal ulcers or wounds.

Food

The fleshy fruits of certain species of the genus Mammillaria are used in some localities as a dressing for artisan dishes.

Representative species

Mammillaria beneckei

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.

Mammillaria beneckei. Source: SKsiddhartthan

Mammillaria elongata

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.

Mammillaria elongata. Source: mikeyskatie from Seattle, WA, USA

Mammillaria fraileana

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.

Mammillaria fraileana. Source: Peter A. Mansfeld

Mammillaria gracilis

Catus that forms abundant clumps or branches of green stems covered with dense white spines. Native to the States of Hidalgo and Querétaro in Mexico, it is characterized by whitish-yellow flowers and small orange-colored fruits.

Mammillaria gracilis. Source: Michael Wolf

Mammillaria sheldonii

Cactus branching from the base forming small clusters of cylindrical stems, erect, pale green in color 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.

Mammillaria sheldonii. Source: Succu

Mammillaria vetula

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, it inhabits desert environments and is endemic to the states of Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Querétaro.

Mammillaria vetula. Source: Frank Vincentz

References

1. Arias, S., Gama-López, S., Guzmán-Cruz, L. & Vázquez-Benítez, B. (2012) Flora of the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley. Fascicle 95. Cactaceae Juss. Institute of Biology. National Autonomous University of Mexico.
2. Bracamonte T., JA & Tinoco Ojanguren, C. (2015) The Genus Mammillaria. Botany. Magazine Our Earth. Nº 23. Page 19.
3. Cornejo Denman, LA & Arreola-Nava, HJ (2009). Current and Potential Uses of the Cactaceae of Jalisco (Doctoral dissertation) Universidad de Guadalajara. Zapopan, Jalisco, 45101.
4. Durán García, R., & Méndez González, ME (2010). Biodiversity: Cactaceae. Biodiversity and Human Development in Yucatán, 191-192.
5. Mammillaria (2015) Elicriso: Magazine about the environment and nature. Recovered in: elicriso.it
6. Mammillaria. (2019). Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Recovered at: es.wikipedia.org
7. Martínez-Ávalos, JG, Golubov, J., Arias, S., & Villarreal-Quintanilla, J. Á. (2011). A new species of Mammillaria (Cactaceae) for Tamaulipas, Mexico. Acta botánica mexicana, (97), 83-91.
8. Valverde, T., & Chávez, VM (2009) Mammillaria (Cactaceae) as an indicator of the conservation status of the ecosystem. Biodiversity of Pedregal de San Ángel. UNAM, Pedregal de San Ángel Ecological Reserve and Coordination of Scientific Research, DF Mexico. Pp. 497-507.