Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

Thesis Report

Submitted to

Agriculture University Faisalabad

For the program of

MSc. Botany

Title “Ball Cactus” Write complete topic that what are you
going to do on ball cactus

Author: Amadia Abdur-Razzaq (2013-AG-1133)

DECLARATION
I, Amadia Abdur-Razzaq, do hereby and solemnly declare and affirm that this report is a
result of my efforts and original work. All the sources and references have been
precisely acknowledged and reported whereas this report has never been previously,
completely or in part been presented or submitted to any college or university in order to
attain any specific qualification.

Amadia Abdur-Razzaq 19 June 2015

Abstract:
Economically the ball cactus used as a source of food, as an ornamental plants using in
parks and orchard. Some of their species are being used in medication. But the ball
cactus is endangered and becoming rare species. Many factors are contributing to the
loss of Mammillaria species, and these threats act synergistically. Foremost among the
causes of extinction is conversion or destruction of habitats by humans. Overharvesting
of wild plants for medicine and food also endangers species. In the United States, over
half of imperiled plant species are threatened with competition or predation
by invasive exotic species. Pollution accounts for declines in still more species. It is
imperative to evaluate the threats to species accurately and to address these threats
explicitly through conservation and management.
To conserve these species preserve the germ plasm. Several approaches can help
save rare Mammillaria species and protect habitat for all species generally. First, the
global distribution of species and their conservation status must be thoroughly and
systematically documented. Scientists (including botanists, taxonomists, and ecologists)
are working hard to catalogue, name, and describe the biology of plants throughout the
world before they disappear, often using a method called Rapid Ecological Assessment.
This activity is especially important in highly diverse regions of the globe with high
numbers of rare species, such as tropical and temperate rainforests, and fynbos and
other species ecosystems of Mediterranean and monsoonal climates. Until the past few
decades, many of these areas have remained extremely remote and relatively difficult
for people to access and settle; however new technologies and population pressures
are allowing people to colonize these regions and to permanently alter their ecology,
even as scientists work to discover their biological richness.
 Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am delighted to gratify and appreciate following personalities for their encouragements and
support in completing this study successfully.

 ALLAH SUBHANA WA TALLAH (Almighty) for giving me strength and making my tasks
easy for me as entire report is completed successfully.

 Family, especially my Mother, as her continuous support and prayers kept me motivate
throughout the study.

 Supervisor Sir Mansoor Hameed for his enormous assistance that has raised the quality
and reliability of this study.

Furthermore, I am awfully thankful to the Agriculture University Faisalabad for giving me chance
to take part in one of world renowned study programs, MSc. Botany. Moreover, my gratitude
goes to the entire teaching team and administration staff at Botany department.
DEDICATED TO MY PARENTS
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction …...……………………………...……………………………….. 07

1.1 Introduction and Background of Study ......................................................... 07

1.2 Economical Importances ………….................................................................
07

Chapter 2: Literature review ….…………...………………..…………….……..……….. 19

2.1. Literature Review ……………….................................................................. 19

Chapter 3: Research Methods ………..………………………………………………….. 16

3.1. Research Method ........................................................................................ 16

3.2. Conservation and management of endanger species ................................ 16
3.2. Purpose of Research...................................................................................
3.3. Research Philosophy ……….......................................................................
 BALL CACTUS

Introduction:
Cactus, any plant of the family Cactaceae, a large group of
succulents found almost entirely in the New World. A cactus plant is conspicuous for its
fleshy green stem, which performs the functions of leaves (commonly insignificant or
absent), and for the spines (not always present) of various colors, shapes, and
arrangements. Cactus flowers are notably delicate in appearance although usually large
and showy; they are commonly yellow, white, or shades of red and purple. Many
species are pollinated by bats. Cactus fruits are berries and are usually edible. A cactus
plant appears on the coat of arms of Mexico, and the blossom of the giant cactus, or
saguaro (Cereusgiganteus), is the state flower of Arizona.

The plants vary from small, round globes to epiphytes, vines, and large treelike forms.
The reduced leaf surface, the enlarged fleshy stem, which is well fitted to store water
and to retain it, and the ramified and extensive root system (much reduced in cultivated
cacti) make the plant particularly adapted to regions of high temperature and long dry
periods. Cacti are not restricted to desert regions; however, for in America they range
from the tropics into Canada.

Most cacti bloom in the spring for a very short period, sometimes for only a few hours.
The blossoms are noticeably sensitive to light, and often different species blossom only
at specific times of the day. One of the most famous of the cacti is the night-blooming
cereus usually classified as Selenicereus or C. grandiflora (several other night-blooming
cactus species bear the same common name). Its fragrant blossoms unfold at a visible
rate after sunset and last only a single night. In many of its native habitats the flowering
of this cactus is celebrated with festivals. Ball cactus, any of 25 species in the
genus Parodia, family Cactaceae, native in grasslands of South America. Small,
globose to cylindroid, they are commonly cultivated as potted plants. P. scopa and P.
leninghausii (silver ball and golden ball cacti, respectively) are most common and are
valued for their woolly hair. These and other hairy species have small, often yellow to
red flowers, sometimes only about 1 cm (0.5 inch) in diameter. Another group, not hairy,
has larger flowers, to about 6 cm (2.4 inches).

Parodia magnifica is native to the grasslands of far southern Brazil and Uruguay that
have distinct warm and cool seasons. Winters can get relatively cold (with an
emphasis on relatively), and it’s been reported that Parodia magnifica will survive
20°F with some protection as long as it’s kept perfectly dry.

Actually, I believe this is the biggest secret to growing cacti: Water them well while
they’re actively growing (and fertilize them occasionally), but keep them dry in the
winter.

The Parodia genus includes a multitude of showy and easy-to-grow small ball cacti.
After a reorganization of the genus, the Parodia genus now includes plants that were
formerly known as notocactus, eriocactus, and brasilicactus. Parodia are native to
central South America, where they enjoy somewhat more moisture than most people
associate with cacti. They are also not full-sun plants, but especially during the
summer months of strong sun they appreciate some daytime shade. Older plants will
frequently produce flowers in yellow, red, orange, or pink, depending on the species.
Overall, these are easy and excellent beginning cacti. Parodia typically don't like
direct afternoon sunlight and should be in partial shade through the hottest hours.
They can take direct sunlight in the morning and afternoons.Throughoutthe growing
season (spring and summer) provide regular water to keep the potting soil lightly
moist. In the winter, cut back watering and let the soil almost dry between watering,
but do not let it completely dry out.

During the growing season, fertilize with a cacti fertilizer mix. These respond
especially well to fertilizer. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Parodia cacti can be propagated easily from offsets, which readily form in clusters
around the base of the mother plant. To propagate, carefully remove the offset and
allow the cut section to dry on a paper towel for a few days.
 Depending on the size of the cut area, a callous will form over the cut surface. Once
the callous has formed, place the new plant in a pot with a potting soil mixture and
keep in a warm place until new roots emerge. Once the plant is established, repot it
into a regular container. Parodia are also relatively easy to grow from seeds. Once
the sprouts have emerged, keep them regularly moist for the few months and be
prepared to wait: some of the more common Parodia species can take a long time to
grow to a decent size.

Report as needed, preferably during the warm season. To report a cacti, make sure the
soil is dry before repotting, and then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil
from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat
any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil,
spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, and then
begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Ball cacti are ribbed and relatively small. Common Parodia include P. scopa, which was
previously classified as a notocactus and has yellow flowers; P. microsperma, a small
ball cactus that blooms heavily with red or yellow flowers and is relatively common; and
P. chrysacanthion, which features straight spines and yellow flowers. If you can
grow cacti and succulents successfully, youcanlikely grow the popular Parodia without
too much trouble. It's key to remember, however, that Parodia don't like direct sunlight
and are accustomed to more even water than many other cacti species. It's imperative
that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your
cactus sit in a dish of water. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a
cooling period in the winter and dramatically cut back watering. Unlike other cacti
species, however, you don't need to entirely stop watering. Lastly, make sure to fertilizer
during the growing season for the best result.
There are around 300 species of Mammillarias. Most are native to Mexico; some are
native from southwestern USA, Caribbean, Central America, or even a couple in
northern South America. In their range you can find Mammillarias from sea level to high
elevations. They also vary in size from miniature 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm), to
columnar types 1 foot tall (30 cm).

The name Mammillaria comes from the Latine for "nipple", because the areolas
(structures carrying the spines) are carried by nipple like structures instead of being
organized in ribs like many other cacti. Another significant difference is that the flowers
are not coming from the areola, but from the area at the juncture of 2 tubercles.

As could be expected from so many species, their growing requirements arequite

varied. Many species are easy and fast to grow and to get to bloom while young; this is
why they are very popular some are quite hardy while others will rot easily if kept too
cold. All of them require excellent drainage. This is more easily accomplished by using a
good cactus soil mixture, and using a shallow pot.

In general the Mammillarias bloom asily, but many species need a rest period in winter
during which they are kept cool in order to bloom. Furthermore flowers form a ring on
tissue grown the previous growing season, so it is important to get them to grow every
year, which means regular watering and fertilizing during their growing period.

Economical Importance:

Fruits of many cacti are edible. Indeed, the Seri Indians of the southwestern United
States and northwestern Mexico consumed fruits from over twenty species, including
those of the saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea ), used by various Native
Americans for fruits and wine. Fruits collected from the wild influenced the species
selected for domestication. Such selections involved various species of Opuntia in
Mexico, eventually leading to the presently planted cultivars.
The fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica and a few other prickly pears are harvested in the
summer from plants that are one to three meters tall. Harvest can be delayed by
removing the early flowers, as is commonly done in Sicily, leading to a second harvest
in the autumn that is more valuable per fruit due to lessened competition from other
species. One-year-old cladodes can bear five to fifteen fruits each; terminal cladodes
with fewer fruits tend to bear larger ones (over 150 g each), which command higher
prices. After harvesting, the fruits must have the glochids removed mechanically, after
which they are often packaged by color and weight. Fruits with red pulp are prized in the
United States and certain European countries, whereas greenish pulp for mature fruits
is generally preferred in Mexico. Although sold in supermarkets worldwide, fruits are
also sold by street vendors, who slice the peel and provide the exposed pulp directly to
the consumer. The relatively large seeds are a detriment to fruit consumption by many,
but the seeds are harmless and readily swallowed by aficionados.
The country with the greatest land area devoted to cactus pear cultivation is Mexico
(Table 1). Annual production can be over fifteen tons fresh weight per hectare under
intensive management. In Mexico, Sicily, Israel, and the United States, most production
is from commercial plantations, whereas in other Latin American countries and in
northern Africa, a large amount of the fruit is collected from hedges and other informal
plantings.

Although their cultivation is expanding rapidly, in 2001 pitayas were harvested on only
about 3,000 hectares worldwide, mostly in Mexico, from species like Cereus
peruvianus, and especially Stenocereus queretaroensis and other Stenocereus species.
Fruits grow along the main stem and branches about two to six meters above the
ground, requiring a pole with a basket-like attachment for harvest of individual fruits.
Fruits of Stenocereus queretaroensis have an attractive and tasty dark red or purple
pulp with small seeds (like those in kiwis) that are easily swallowed. However, the fruits
tend to split within two or three days after harvest, requiring rapid local consumption.
Tender young cladodes about 10 to 15 cm long of Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia
robusta, and a few related species are used in Mexico as nopalitos. About 6,000
hectares were cultivated for this purpose in 2001, and bnopalitos are also prepared from
plants in the wild or growing around houses, or as hedges. The raised portions of the
stem containing spines and glochids are readily removed with a knife or by machine.
The cladodes are then generally sliced or diced and blanched in a weak saline solution
for a few minutes to remove excess mucilage. After draining, the material can be
cooked, yielding a vegetable with a taste not unlike string beans or okra. Because of
their high fructose and mucilage content, nopalitos are highly recommended for people
with type II diabetes. Often the blanched material is pickled and used as a relish or in
salads. More than thirty companies sold pickled nopalitos in Mexico in 2001, and this
product is in supermarkets worldwide.
Other uses of cacti range from candy made from the stems of barrel cacti that have
been infused with a sugar solution to peyote from dried stems of Lophophora williamsii,
used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes. Flowers have been used for
medicinal purposes and to make perfume. The seeds of cacti such as Opuntia ficus-
indica have been dried, ground, and then used as a flavoring paste for cooking.
Carminic acid, an important red dye for food coloring, can be extracted from dried
cochineal insects that feed on Opuntia ficus-indica. Although most cactus pears are
consumed fresh, sorbets and marmalades are also prepared from the fruits. The
strained pulp of fresh fruits is used as a fruit drink or fermented to make wine. Fruits of
cactus pears are also partially dried and sold in brick-sized blocks in Mexico. More than
thirty brands of dried and powdered cladodes are sold in Mexico as a dietary
supplement. The range of edible products from cacti is indeed great and their use is
steadily increasing, as more people become willing to try new and natural foods and
growers search for crops that do not need irrigation.
However, the major economic importance of the cactus family is in the florists' trade.
Among those cultivated for their showy blossoms are the Christmas cactus
(Zygocactus) and species of Echinocereus and of Epiphyllum, the orchid cactus. The
pincushion cacti (Mammillaria), the golden ball cactus (Echinocactus), and the
hedgehog cactus (Echinopsis) are among the many grown as oddities for their curious
appearance.
LITERATURE REVIEW:

Assembled & edited by Keeper Trout It is important to understand that all alkaloid
concentrations can be highly variable. This can be the result of many factors. Genetics,
environment, age, part sampled, weather, health, time of year or time of day, and
whether the plants were wild or cultivated, have all been noted as factors potentially
capable of influencing the alkaloid content and/or composition in plants. Substantial
variations can be encountered based on the variety, local form, age, growth stage and
other factors (Ostolaza et al., 1996)
Many species have been renamed multiple times; a partial list of synonyms or points
ofpotential confusion is included. Some names have been changed so many times over
the course of their analytical history that it can be difficult to locate comprehensive
information about what has been published. (Agurell et al., (1969).

Cacti can sometimes be highly variable in appearances. This work attempts to present
multiple images of single species in habitat and grown under different situations or in
multiple hands whenever possible. One clear advantage to this being a PDF is the
elimination of concerns about minimizing cost through limiting the number of color
photos that are included. (Ahmad,A. et al., 1996)

Early passion for cacti continued into his professional career as a marine botanist
studying seaweeds. He produced important floristic, taxonomic and biogeographic
accounts of seaweeds. (C. Martorell et al., 2008)

It is widely acknowledged that nurse-plants facilitate the establishment of seedlings in

drylands, there are several anecdotal reports on associations between cacti and rocks.
We assessed the preference for rocks or shrubs from the spatial distribution of eight
cactus species (Mammillaria spp.)(E.M Peters et al., 2008).

To search the existence of antimicrobial peptides in cactus, the peptide was isolated
and purified for characterization study. The proteins of six kinds of cactus were isolated
by sulfate precipitation on different saturation ranges and their antimicrobial activities
were tested to screen the cactus with antimicrobial peptides. (LIU Yi-jiang et al, 2007)

Eoörnis pterovelox gobiensis, the Rhinogradentia, Brunus edwardii, Apus duras, the
Schuss-yucca, Mammillaria busonii, Unowottia, Chimonobambusa quadrangularis, the
Loch Ness monster, the Diet of Worms, the fizzing of coffee, thiotimolene, armpitin,
deumbilification, strapless evening gowns, and various publications including The
Auklet, Dopeia, The Tea Phytologist, and The Journal of Irreproducible Results, are
briefly reviewed.(Ralph A. Lewinet al., 1982).

A rapid shoot multiplication protocol was established for the endangered

cactus Mammillaria mathildae to reintroduce it to its natural habitat. In vitro-germinated
seedlings were used as the source of explants. Three explant sources (apical, lateral,
and basal excised from in vitro-germinated seedlings) were tested. (Oscar García-
Rubioet al., 2010).

Measuring how anthropogenic disturbance affects biological systems is crucial for

conservation and management. However, it is often difficult to quantify disturbance
when it occurs in a slow, long-lasting – or chronic – fashion. Because various human
activities influence gradually an area, chronic disturbance must be measured on a
continuous scale that accounts for different sources of disturbance. Here we propose a
method to develop multimetric indices for chronic disturbance. The approach is
exemplified by considering the effects of disturbance on the threatened
cactus Mammillaria pectinifera. (Carlos Martorell et al., 2005).

Seed germination of 4 species of Mammillaria (Cactaceae) from the Tehuacán-Cui-

catlán Valley in central México were compared at 4 light treatments (red, far-red, white
light, and darkness) at 25°C and at 2 light treatments (white light and darkness) at 2
alternating temperatures (15/30°C and 20/35°C). Seeds were positive photoblastic, but
germinated at far-red light. For all species, best germination results were obtained at
25°C with white and red light, and there were no significant differences among
treatments. (Leopoldo Benítez-Rodríguez et al., 2003).
Mona Island provides an important habitat for an interesting Caribbean xeric flora, which
is noted for prominent Cactaceae as well as other succulent and pachycaulous plant
species. A literature review demonstrated the need for documentation of this unique
xerophytic flora. Here, we detail its succulent flora, and provide photographic
documentation, literature reviews specimen citations and field observations, to address
that need. (M. Patrick Griffith et al., 2012).

Mammillaria lasiacantha has spiniferous meristems at the apices of its tubercles and
floral, or vegetative, meristems in the axils. The vegetative meristems will form lateral
branches if the parent shoot apex is destroyed. Spiniferous and axillary meristems are
interpreted as serial buds, although they appear to be formed by division of a common
meristem. The division occurs after spine initiation has begun, and while the axillary
portion is still confluent with the shoot apex. Although the axillary meristem is more
precocious than in certain other species, its mode of origin is essentially the same
(Norman H. Boke et al, .1958).
In the normal form of Mammillaria elongata, shoots were regenerated in vitro, through
callus, from tubercle explants excised from the upper part of the branch and cultured on
Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) with 1.07 μM α-napthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and
22.20 μM 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (Maria Papafotiouet al.,2001).
Research Methodology

To write a report on ball cactus firstly I collected different images of ball

cactus, and then I collected all the data about ball cactus and their species from internet
source. These data helps me to write a report in which I describe the Discription,
distributional range, economical importance of different species also about the
information of endangered species and how to conserve and management of rare
species. Finally I wrote a report on ball cactus in which all the information about ball
cactus in prersernt.

Conservation and management of endanger species:

Over 8,000Mammalliraspecies worldwide are threatened with extinction, according to
the World Conservation Union, and that number grows daily. Researchers have recently
estimated that between 22 and 47% of the world’s flora is in serious decline. Producing
oxygen, sequestering carbon dioxide (a major greenhouse gas), and providing food,
medicines, building materials, textiles, and habitat. Many ball cactus listed as in danger
are endemic (restricted in distribution) to small regions or require specialized habitats.
However, an increasing number of formerly “common” or dominant species are rapidly
becoming vulnerable. Thus, efforts to conserve and manage plants are critically needed
around the world.
Many factors are contributing to the loss of Mammillaria species, and these threats act
synergistically. Foremost among the causes of extinction is conversion or destruction of
habitats by humans. Overharvesting of wild plants for medicine and food also
endangers species. In the United States, over half of imperiled plant species are
threatened with competition or predation by invasive exotic species. Pollution accounts
for declines in still more species. It is imperative to evaluate the threats to species
accurately and to address these threats explicitly through conservation and
management.

Several approaches can help save rare Mammillaria species and protect habitat for all
species generally. First, the global distribution of species and their conservation status
must be thoroughly and systematically documented. Scientists (including botanists,
taxonomists, and ecologists) are working hard to catalogue, name, and describe the
biology of plants throughout the world before they disappear, often using a method
called Rapid Ecological Assessment. This activity is especially important in highly
diverse regions of the globe with high numbers of rare species, such as tropical and
temperate rainforests, and fynbos and other species ecosystems of Mediterranean and
monsoonal climates. Until the past few decades, many of these areas have remained
extremely remote and relatively difficult for people to access and settle; however new
technologies and population pressures are allowing people to colonize these regions
and to permanently alter their ecology, even as scientists work to discover their
biological richness.

Unfortunately, most species of cacti re-colonize disturbed sites very slowly and
infrequently. Extensive losses of cactus habitat to industrial and residential
developments, coupled with excessive collections of wild plants, have resulted in the
populations of some species of cacti becoming endangered. In some areas, populations
of wild cacti must be guarded against illegal, often nocturnal collecting of valuable plants
for horticultural purposes. Unfortunately, it is difficult to protect many endangered cacti
from poaching. This is because of the extensive areas that must be patrolled, in the face
of multi-million-dollar profits that can potentially be made in the illicit cactus trade. Some
species of cactus are now critically endangered in the wild because of excessive, illegal
collecting, and this represents an important ecological problem in many areas.

Source: www.google.com
Botanical Name:
Mammillaria albiarmata
Common name:
Twin-Spined Cactus, Whitey
Synonyms:
Mammillaria albiarmata, Mammillaria coahuilensis var. albiarmata M. coahuilensis
varalbiflora, Porfiriaschwartziivaralbiflora.
Family:
Cactaceae
Distributional range:
Coahuila, Mexico, from 1000 to 1230 m above sea level.
Discription:
Mammillaria coahuilensis subs. albiarmata best known as Mammillaria albiarmata is
one of the local form ofMammillaria coahuilensis. It distinguishes from the type species
for its more numerous spines. It is a small solitary, geophyte cactus, with a heavy tap
root that may exceed the size of the plant above soil level. Its stem are Flattened
globose, strongly tuberculate basally, blue-green, up to 5 cm high and in diameter.Its
tubercles has3-angled in cross section. Axils moderately woolly. Without latex. The
spines of this mammillarian specie have spines of about 20-25, up to 6 mm long. Thin,
bristle-like radial spines, slightly pubescent white or creamy white with darker orange-
pink tips, becoming yellowish brown. The central spine is not present. Flowers are
broadly funnelform, up to 20 mm broad, creamy-white with pinkish midveins. So, the
blooming season of flowers islate winter to early spring (February/March). The fruit of
this specie is Red clavate... Their seeds are dark brown, distinctly postulate.
Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Mammillaria
coahuilensis group
•Mammillaria coahuilensis (Boed.) R.Moran:
It has 12-16 radial spines and has flowers tinged pinkish, to 30 mm in diameter.
Distribution: Laguna de Viesca and adjacent areas, Coahuila.
•Mammillaria coahuilensis subs. albiarmata (Boed.) D.R.Hunt:
 It has 20-25 radial spines and pure white flowers that are only 20 mm in
diameter. Distribution: Saltillo, Coahuila.
Uses:

 Many species of cacti can be rather easily transplanted from natural habitats into
the vicinities of homes and businesses, where they may be used as central
components of low-maintenance gardens in places where rainfall is sparse, and
the development of grassy lawns would require an excessive use of scarce and
expensive water.
 Wild cacti are also collected to grow in or around the home, and to develop
private collections of these interesting plants.

Source: www.google.com

Botanical name:

Mammillaria centricirrha

Common Name:

Mexican Pincushion

Synonyms:

Mammillaria magnimamma Haw.

Mammillaria centricirrha var. magnimamma (Haw.)K.Schum.

Mammillaria centricirrha f. magnimamma (Haw.)Schelle

Neomammillariamagnimamma (Haw.) Britton & Rose

Mammillaria bucareliensisR.T.Craig

Distribution:
This species is widespread throughout central Mexico in Hidalgo,
Guerrero, Jalisco, México State, Aguascalientes, Tlaxcala, Veracruz, Zacatecas,
Queretaro, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Puebla, San Luis Potosi,
and México Federal District. Populations of this species are relatively numerous and
abundant 100-2,700 meters above sea level. It grows in dry rocky places in the open or
(mainly) in xerophyllous vegetation. Despite the great abundance and diversity of cacti
in Mexico, Mammillaria magnimamma is one of the few cacti species that has colonized
barren lava fields. In parts of its range the species is threatened by local extraction for
ornamental plant trade and by the expansion of urbanized areas.

Description:
Mammillaria magnimamma is a perennial stem succulent solitary at first, later
branching basally (or dichotomously) to form large mounds up to 50 cm in
diameter (or more) barely rising above ground level. This species is very variable
and has received many names..Its stem are Flattened globose to globose, grey-
green to dark blue-green, 10-13 cm in diameter and up to 30 cm tall. Tubercles
are Conic-pyramidal as long or longer than broad, about 10 mm tall, firm, four-
sided but not sharply angled, with latex, flowering axils with dense white wool,
especially when young. The Central Spines usually absent. So, the radial: (1-)2-
5(-6), sometimes more, extremely variable, unequal, awl shaped, whitish to
yellowish, with dark tips, 15-45 mm long, lower one longer up to 5 cm long
stronger than the others and more or less curving downward. Flowers are Dirty
white, creamy-yellow or tinged brown with reddish midveins, to deep purplish
pink, 20-25 mm wide and long and in diameter. Its Blooming season is Mid
spring. The Fruits are Club shaped, dark purplish red, to 20 mm long, sticking
straight out from the stem. Their seeds are Small brown in colour. Mammillaria
magnimamma is easy to cultivate, and makes an interesting specimens. Over
time it will produce large clumps. It grows by producing offsets, and also by
dichotomously dividing and doesn't require any special treatment, but needs as
much light as possible without burning the plant, to keep the stems compact.
During the summer it is best to keep the plants outside where the temperature
can rise to over 30° C with no harm to the plant, recommended for any collection
that needs lots of light with ample airflow.
It is a small growing, but easily flowering species. It takes several years to offset,
but once it starts it can fill a 40 cm pot in a few years given the best conditions.
It use a an open and free draining mineral compost with little organic matter
(peat, humus) that allows therefore roots to breath (as it is rot prone).
It repotting every 2-3 years. As it is especially prone to rot under-pot in a smaller
container filled with very porous compost. Use shallow pot with good drainage.
It likes a winter's rest and should be kept almost completely dry during the winter
months, If the soil is allowed to be dry for too long root loss could follow but
equally the same result would occur if the plants are both wet and cold. From
March onwards the plant will begin to grow and watering should be increased
gradually until late May when the plant should be in full growth. Water regularly
during the summer so long as the plant pot is allowed to drain and not sit in a tray
of water. During hot weather you may need to water the plants more frequently
so long as the plant is actively growing. From late September watering should be
reduced to force the plant to go in to a state of semi dormancy, by October you
should be back in to the winter watering regime. Keep dry with ample airflow in
winter. In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!! Care must be taken with
watering as they tends to become swollen and untidy in growth habit if given too
much water and shade.Its feeding may not be necessary at all if the compost is
 fresh then, feed in summer only if the plant hasn't been repotted recently. Do not
feed the plants from September onwards as this can cause lush growth which
can be fatal during the darker cold months. .The grown specimens resist to -4°C
for a short time, but it is best to keep above 5° C to avoid ugly spots on the plant
epidermis. Some warmth throughout the year will increase the grower's success.
For exposition need full sun avoiding only the harshest summer sun, if kept too
dark they may become overly lush and greener and could be prone to rotting due
to over watering. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and
heavy wool and spine production. Its propagation is direct sow after last frost or
cuttings. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 21-27° C in spring, remove the glass
cover gradually as the plants develops and keep ventilated, no full sun for young
plants! The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted, after
which they can be planted separately in small pots. Cuttings: wait until the offsets
that appear at the base of old clustered specimens are 1/3 the size of the parent
and then detach and plant. Cuttings will take root in a minimum temperature of
20° C (but better in hot weather). Cuttings of healthy shoots can be taken in the
spring and summer. Cut the stem with a sharp, sterile knife, leave the cutting in a
warm, dry place for a week or weeks (depending on how thick the cutting is) until
a callus forms over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be
inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a surface
layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents
the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich
compost underneath. The cuttings should root in 2 to 6 weeks.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to

theMammillaria magnimamma group

Mammillaria magnimamma:

It has blue-green body, dirty cream to reddish flower, and no central spines.
It is very variable. Distribution: Hidalgo, Guerrero, Mexico, Aguascalientes,
Zacatecas, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, and San Luis Potosi.
Mammillaria saxicola:

It has olive green body, whitish flower, more radial spines and the
presence of central spines. Distribution: Queretaro and the border of San Luis Potosi,
near Arroyo Secant.

Mammillaria vallensis:

Distribution: AbraValles, San Luis Potosí

Mammillaria vallensis var. brevispina:

Distribution: Abra Celaya, Antiguo Morelos to Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas.

Uses:
 It is an excellent plant for container growing. It look fine in a cold greenhouse and
frame.
 It may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be
nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good
exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
 Sensitive to red spider mite. Overhead watering is helpful in controlling mites.
 Occasionally mealy bugs they develop aerial into the new growth among the
wool with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the
roots and are invisible except by their effects.

Source: www.google.com
Botanical name:

Mammillaria carnea var. cirrosa

Common name:

Powder-Puff Pincushion

Synonyms:

Mammillaria villifera var. carneae, Neomammillariacarnea, Mammillaria

aeruginosa, Mammillaria villifera var. aeruginosa, Mammillaria carnea var.
aeruginosa, Mammillaria subtetragona, Mammillaria carnea var.
subtetragona , Mammillaria pallescens , Mammillaria villifera var. cirrosa , Mammillaria
carnea var. cirrosa, Mammillaria carnea var. robustispina.

Distribution:

Between Ciudad Victoria and Iaumave, Tamaulipas (Mexico, Northern America)

It was originally found by MarcelinoCastañeda in 1953 near the La Reja ranch, but it
was soon lost in cultivation after its description until 1977, when it was rediscovered by
Alfred Lau. It grows in crevices in north-facing rocks. Altitude 850 to 1.900 m.
The Mammillaria carmenae is in danger of extinction in the wild.

Description:

Mammillaria carmenae is a solitary or clustering globular cactus.

Stems are globose to ovoid, 4 - 10 cm high, 3 - 5 cm in diameter. Without latex.

Its tubercles are conical. Axil: Woolly and bristly.

Radial spine are more than 100, soft, fine, flexible, star-like, white or pale yellow (or
gold), up to 5 mm long. There are no central spines. Flowers are diurnal, (usually)
creamy white to pink or pale pink with pink tinged midribs, up to 11 mm long. Plants
blooms at the same time in late winter-early spring, and are very generous with their
flowers. Fruits are Greenish. And its seeds are black in color. It is a relatively rapid
growing species. This is easily grown into clumps, but it does often have an irregular
pattern of offsetting. Water regularly in summer, but do not over-water (rot prone). Use a
pot with good drainage and a very porous potting media. Keep dry in winter. Feed with a
high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as
-5° C. Outside full sun or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct
sun. Easily clustering and easily flowered. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps
can be produced in a few years. Its propagation is by division, or direct sow after last
frost. Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. Average Water Needs; Water regularly;
do not overwater. Suitable for growing in containers. The soil pH requirements are 6.1
to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral), 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly). The seeds are collected by
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds Unblemished fruit must be
significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds. The properly
cleaned, seed can be successfully stored.

Uses:

 The plants of these species are very important.Mammillaria villifera var.

aeruginosahave medicinal importance.
 Its flowers have been used for medicinal purposes and to make perfume.
 The seeds of cacti such as Mammillaria subtetragona have been dried,
ground, and then used as a flavoring paste for cooking.
 The fruits of Mammillariavillifera var. cirrosa and a few other prickly pears are
harvested in the summer from plants that are one to three meters tall. Harvest
can be delayed by removing the early flowers, as is commonly done in Sicily,
leading to a second harvest in the autumn that is more valuable per fruit due
to lessened competition from other species.
 Carminic acid, an important red dye for food coloring, can be extracted
from dried cochineal insects that feed on Mammillaria carnea var.
robustispina.
Botanical name:

Mammillaria backebergiana ssp. Backebergiana

Common name:

Royal Cross

Synonomys:

Mammillaria ernestii, Mammillaria backebergiana var. ernestii, Mammillaria isotensis.

Distribution:

Guerrero, Michoacan and Mexico, Mexico. Altitude 1.400 - 1.600 m. Clumping, 2.5
inches in diameter (6 cm), 12 inches long (30 cm)

Discription:

Plants usually solitary, cylindrical, to 30 cm (12 in) high, 5 - 6 cm (2 - 2.4 in) in

diameter. Sap are present with latex. Tuberculeare Short pyramidal, not angled and
naked or with a few bristles. The radial spine are 10 - 12, yellowish white with brown
tips, becoming darker with age. The Central spine 1 - 3, straight, needle-like, yellowish
brown to brown, 7 - 8 mm (0.3 in) long.The flowers are Freely produced in several
rings. Purplish red, 18 - 20 mm (0.7 - 0.8 in) long, 10 - 13 mm (0.4 - 0.5 in), in diameter.
Stigmas green. The Fruit are dull green above, whitish below, tinting purplish red in
maturity. Seed are brownian color. Flowering period in Cultivation (Europe) is minimum
temperature that is -2° C. Water sparingly, needs good drainage. Its exposure to light
shade of sun.

Uses:

 Some species of spiny cacti, such as Mammillariabackebergiana are used as

living fences, for example, to keep livestock out of gardens. The long, sharp
spines of other cacti were used as needles in some of the earliest types of
phonographs. The "wood" of the saguaro cactus has long been used by
Amerindian peoples, and is still utilized to make crafts and novelty furniture.
 A few species of cacti have become pests, or weeds, when they escaped from
cultivation in places where they were not native, and were not controlled by
diseases or herbivores. The best known example is that of a prickly pear cactus
that was imported to Australia from North America for use as an ornamental
plant and living fence, but became invasive and a serious weed of rangelands.
This pest has now been almost completely controlled through the introduction of
one of its natural herbivores, the moth Cactoblastiscactorum, whose larvae feed
on the cactus.

Botanical name:

Mammillaria longimamma

Common names: Finger Cactus, Nipple Cactus, Pinapple Cactus

Synonyms:

 Homotypic
 Cactus longimamma
 Dolichothelelongimamma
 Neomammillarialongimamma

 Heterotypic
 Cactus uberiformis
 Dolichothelelongimamma f. gigantothele
 Dolichothelelongimamma f. globosa
 Dolichothelelongimamma subsp. uberiformis
 Dolichothelelongimamma var. gigantothele
 Dolichothelelongimamma var. globosa
 Dolichotheleuberiformis
 Mammillaria globosa
 Mammillaria hexacentra
 Mammillaria longimamma f. globosa
 Mammillaria longimamma f. hexacentra
 Mammillaria longimamma f. melaleuca
 Mammillaria longimamma f. uberiformis
 Mammillaria longimamma var. congesta
 Mammillaria longimamma var. gigantothele
 Mammillaria longimamma var. globosa
 Mammillaria longimamma var. hexacantha
 Mammillaria longimamma var. uberiformis
 Mammillaria uberiformis
 Mammillaria uberiformis var. gracilior
 Mammillaria uberiformis var. hexacentra
DISTRIBUTION:

Mexico (Hidalgo, Querétaro between 1000 and 2200m altitude). This species is
endemic to Mexico, where it occurs in the states of Guanajuato, Hidalgo, and
Querétaro (Hernández et al. 2004). It grows at elevations of 1,000 to 2,400 m asl
(Pilbeam 1999). The species is known from a total of 20 subpopulations. There are
seven known subpopulations in Querétaro. This species is rare across its range.
There are 10 sites for this species within the Tolimán Quadrant and more sites in
Querétaro (Sánchez et al. 2006). Now its population is decresing. This cactus is
found on limestome and in volcanis soils, under low shrubs and sparse vegetation. It
has terrestrial system.

Description:

The lemon yellow flowers are very large for this genus of 6 cm in diameter and are
produce in abundance in summer. Fruits are greenish white to dull pinkish tan or
maroon, ovoid to short cylindrical, 10-15 × 7 mm, floral remnant weakly persistent. The
fruits are juicy throughout, and have a pleasant aroma. Seeds are Black or brown,
1.3×0.9mm in size. Blooming season starts fromJuly; fruiting May. At first solitary, but
clustering very young and forming dense clusters to 15 cm or more broad. With 10-30(-
50) braches. The stem are spherical, green, 3-6(12 cm) cm in diameter, up to 10 tall
and without latex. Tubercles are very long soft and flaccid 12-25 × 5-8 mm. Axil
tuberclers are sparsely wooly, without bristles.The radial spines about 8 to 10 for 12 to
20 mm long white-yellowish or brown. The central spines usually 1 central spine, to 25
mm long, not hooked or curved, similar to radial spines. No central spine for the var.
uberiformis.The flowers Very large for this genus, 4-6 cm. long, 4.5-6 cm. wide with
bright yellow petals in May-July. , stigmas yellow. Fruit are yellowish to green in
color.Roots are thick taproots, large in upper portion. An easy species that will form
large clumps with age. Mammillaria longimamma has a fairly large tap root, and should
be kept in a deep pot with a very draining mineral substrate. Watering during the active
growing season (spring and summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent
the large tubercles from becoming flabby. But be careful with watering, which all thick
rooted species require (rot sensitive). Keep dry during the winter rest, when the plant
may pull near the surface of the potting mix.Fertilize every 2 weeks with diluted high
potassium fertilizer when the plant is in bud. Need light shade to shade. Propagation of
this specieare seeds, offsets, tubercles (Tubercles can be removed from the plant, let to
dry a day or 2, and planted). : Light frost protection required. Minimum of 5º C for safe
growing (but hardy down to -8°C or less).
In spite of its preference for shade in the wild, in culture, good exposure to sunshine will
favour good spine development. It can get sunburned if moved from shade/greenhouse
into full sun too quickly. During the spring it may be able to take full sun until the heat
arrives at the end of spring. In an area that has hot afternoon sun, it may be able to take
full morning sun, but requires afternoon shade or afternoon light shade.
Spider mites are especially attracted to this species, but often are controlled with
overhead watering. Care with repotting is needed, as the thick taproot is easily
damaged. The species is legally protected in Mexico by the national list of species at
risk of extinction, NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, where it is listed under category
“Threatened” (A; SEMARNAT 2010). It occurs in at least one protected area. Further
research is needed on the species ecology. Special attention to the conservation of
canyons and rivers is needed to provide adequate habitat for the species.
Uses:

 This species is grown and collected as an ornamental, usually as propagated

plants. In some areas parts of its range the cacti are used for fishing (attached to
the hook as bait).
 This cactus is illegally collected in the wild as an ornamental, although this is
localized. In some areas this species is trampled by cattle ranching.
 Some plants are ornamental and use in orchard.
Botanical name:

Mammillaria elongate

Common name:

Ladyfinger Cactus

Synonyms:

Cactus subcroceus, Mammillaria suberosa var. intertexta, Mammillaria stella-

aurata, Cactus stella-aurata, Mammillaria elongata var. stella-aurata, Mammillaria
intertexta, Mammillaria elongata var. subcrocea, Cactus intertextus, Mammillaria tenuis
var. media, Mammillaria subcrocea, Cactus elongatus, Mammillaria subcrocea var.
intertexta, Mammillaria elongata var. echinata, Leptocladodiaelongata,
Neomammillariaelongata, Krainziaelongata, Chilitaelongata, Mammillaria echinata,
Mammillaria subcrocea var. echinata, Mammillaria elongate.

Description:

M. elongatais a succulent ground cover, forming with time a tight clumps of

erect, ascending, prostrate or recumbent stems. This may be the most common
Mammillaria to be found and occurs in more variations than any other
Mammillaria species. It commonly comes in many colour and spine variations.
 Stems are Elongated cylindrical, finger-like, 1 - 3 cm in diameter3-10 cm long.
Roots are Fibrose. Their tubercle are slender conical arranged in perfect spiral in
a few rows. The axil is naked or nearly so.Areoles are pubescent when
young.Radial spine are 14 - 25 interlocking, arranged as a star, variable in
number, white to golden yellow to brown, the degree of brown colouring varying
from plant to plant, slender, needle-like, more or lessrecurved 4 - 12 mm
long.The central spine Usually absent, sometimes 2, yellow to brownish, with
dark tips, 10 - 15 mm long. Perianth segments about 12, rather broad, obtuse or
sometimes apiculate. The flowers are present at the upper part of the plant,
whitish, pale yellow or pinkish, sometimes flushed pink or with pink midstripes, to
10 mm long and in diameter.Blooming season (Europe) is Spring, but can bloom
for a second time.
later in the year. Fruit are Pink, becoming red. Seed are brown in color. This is a
popular species, but many cultivated forms are hybrids, especially with
Microhelia.

The subspecies 'echinaria' is different in that it has 2-3 dark central spines.
Unlike the subspecies 'elongata' which has none or very short central spines if any. This
is a popular and easy cactus species. It will form quite large clumps with hundreds of
offsets if given time and grown properly. It is especially suited for window sill and dish
gardens. Water regularly from spring through fall, but do not overwater (Rot prone) Let
soil become moderately dry between thorough waterings. In winter, keep dry or water
only enough to keep the plants from shriveling. Use pot with good drainage and a very
porous potting media. Newly potted plants should not be fertilized for a year;
established plants should be fertilized once each spring with a high potassium fertilizer.
It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -4° C. Outside full sun or afternoon
shade, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun, but high levels of light will
encourage tight growth and flowering. It is easily flowered. This species produce clumps
of young plants at the base of the main stem, these can be removed at any time of the
year. It can also be grown from seed.

Uses:
  Many species of Mammillaria elongate are highly prized by horticulturalists as
botanical oddities and ornamental plants. These may be cultivated for their
beautiful flowers, the aesthetics of their stems and spines, or merely because the
plants have a strange-looking appearance.
 In addition, many people like to grow cacti because they are relatively easy to
maintain—it does not matter much if you forget to water your cacti for a few days,
or even a few weeks or more.
 In fact, over-watering is usually the greatest risk to most cacti that are kept as
house plants, because too much moisture will pre-dispose these drought-
adapted plants to developing fungal and bacterial diseases, such as soft-rot.

Botanical name:

Mammillaria matudae f. multispina

Common name:

Thumb Cactus

Synonyms:

 Mammillaria boolii
 Mammillaria brachytrichion
 Mammillaria brandegeei
 Mammillaria candida
 Mammillaria carmenae
 Mammillaria carnea

Distribution:

This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:

Phoenix, Arizona
Castro Valley, California
Poway, California
Reseda, California
Woodcrest, California
Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Austin, Texas Guanajuato, Mexico. Altitude 2.160 to 2.200 mtr.

Discription:

Mostly plants are under 6 inches or 25 cm and also 6 to 12 inches or 15 to 30 cm in

hight. Spacing are present which is 6 to 9 inches (15-22cm), 9-12 inches (22-30cm),
and 12 to 15 inches (30- 38 cm). The plants are expose to sun to partial shade or light
shade. The plant protects it from danger it has spines or sharpe edges; use extreme
caution when handling. Flowers biooming time is mid spring. The plants are drought
tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping. It needs average water; water regularly and do not
overwater. Soil PH requirments is 6.1 to 6.5 which is mildly acidic, 6.6 to 7.5 which is
neutral, 7.6 t0 7.8 which is mildly alkaline. Propagation methods froms woody stem
cuttings, allow cut surface to callous over before planting and from seed; direct sow
after last frost. Seeds are collects by Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry
seeds Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean
and dry seeds properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored.
Uses:

the major economic importance of the cactus family is in the florists' trade. Among those
cultivated for their showy blossoms are the Christmas cactus( and species
of Echinocereus and of Epiphyllum, the orchid cactus. The pincushion cacti
( Mammillaria ), the golden ball cactus ( Echinocactus ), and the hedgehog cactus
( Echinopsis ) are among the many grown as oddities for their curious appearance.

Botanical name:
Mammillaria angularis

Common name:

Mother of Hundreds

Synonyms:

 Mammillaria compressa .
 Cactus compressus
 Mammillaria angularis var. compressa
 Mammillaria angularis f. compressa
 Neomammillariacompressa

 Mammillaria compressa f. bernalensis

o Mammillaria bernalensis
 Mammillaria compressa var. fulvispina
o Mammillaria angularis var. fulvispina
o Mammillaria angularis f. fulvispina
 Mammillaria compressa var. longiseta
o Cactus longisetus
o Mammillaria angularis var. longiseta
o Mammillaria angularis f. longiseta
o Mammillaria cirrhifera var. longiseta
o Mammillaria longiseta
 Mammillaria compressa var. rubrispina
 Mammillaria compressa var. triacantha
o Mammillaria triacantha.
 Mammillaria conopea
 Mammillaria esseriana
 Mammillaria tolimensis
o Neomammillariatolimensis
 Mammillaria tolimensis var. brevispina
o Neomammillariatolimensis var. brevispina
 Mammillaria tolimensis var. longispina

Mammillaria tolimensis var. subuncinata

Mammillaria compressa subs. centralifera

 Mammillaria compressa subs. centralifera

o Mammillaria centralifera
Mammillaria compressa f. cristata

 Mammillaria compressa cv. Yokan

Distribution:

Mammillaria compressa (and ssp. centralifera) grows and is locally abundant in

central Mexico (Hidalgo, Queretaro, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Nuevo León and
San Luis Potosi). That grows at an altitude of 1000-2240 metres above sea level.
This species occurs in matorralcrascicaule. There are 16 recognized
subpopulations and there are no major threats to this species, however some
subpopulations are impacted by the extraction of wild specimens for commercial
purposes. The habitat of Mammillaria compressa is home to succulent flora and
is particularly rich in local endemics such
as: Thelocactusleucacanthus, Echinocereuscinerascens, Marginatocereusmargin
atus.

Description:
Globular cactus, solitary at first, later forming massive clumps to 1 m wide.
Stems are club shaped to cylindrical, bluish grey-green, up to 10 cm in diameter, up to
25 cm tall. With latex. Tubercles are prominent, close set, firm, bluntly angled and
keeled. The Axil bears white wool and bristles. Central spines are usually absent, but
the radial spines are 4-6, unequal, chalky white with brownish tips, 20-70 mm long,
some very short. Flowers are bell shaped, purplish pink to deep red, 1-1,5 cm in
diameter. Blooming season of flowers are Winter, early spring. Easily clustering and
easily flowered it is one of the largest of all the Mammillarias. Most plants will offset
readily, and huge clumps can be produced in a very few years. Fruits are Club shaped,
red. Seeds are Brown in color.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Mammillaria

compressa group:
 Mammillaria compressaDC.: (subsp. compressa) forms up to 1 m wide in a
very few years. It has no central spines. Distribution: Hidalgo and Queretaro,
Mexico.
 Mammillaria compressa f. bernalensis (Repp.): has rudimentary radial spines
and 3-5 central spines (usually missing in standard Mammillaria compressa).
Distribution: San Pablo Toliman, Bernal, Querétaro, Mexico
 Mammillaria compressa subs. centralifera (Repp.) D.R.Hunt: It often has
solitary stems but is sometimes clumping and has 2 central spines. Distribution:
Queretaro, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosi
 Mammillaria compressa f. cristata: It develops huge brain-shaped hemispherical
mounds up to 1 m in diameter. There are several different crested clones.
 Mammillaria compressa cv. Yokan: This strange Mammillaria makes a nice and
tangled cluster of fine crests. Brownish-green or purple in full sun exposure with
fine soft white spines.

Descritipon:
Mammillaria compressa is an easy to grow species, just as a classic
cactus, don't requires any special treatment, that seems to enjoy, in cultivation, good
root space, and well drained compost, though it is not a quick grower. It is a great
plant for the cactus grower, which readily builds up into a cluster of stems
highlighted by dense spines, further decorated by rings of pink blooms. Growth rate
is a rapid growing species that will form large clumps rather rapidly when compared
to other Mammillaria species. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps can be
produced in a few years. It will fill a large pot or pan in time however, so space is
needed if it is to show of its best. Soils is very porous standard cactus mix soil with
little organic matter (peat, humus). Repotting every 2-3 years. Needs lots and lots of
space to grow, use large shallow container or bowl filled with very porous compost.
Use pot with good drainage. The water regularly in summer, but do not overwater
(very wet-sensitively). Its roots are easily lost in pots that stay damp for any length of
time. Keep dry with ample airflow in winter. In the rest period no high atmospheric
humidity!! Care must be taken with watering as they tends to become swollen and
untidy in growth habit if given too much water and shade. During the growing season
enrich the soil using a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorous, but poor in
nitrogen, because this chemical element doesn’t help the development of succulent
 plants, making them too soft and full of water. Hardiness is quite frost resistant if
kept dry, hardy as low as -5° C (some reports give it hardy to -12°C). However some
warmth throughout the year will increase the grower's success (minimum 5° to 8°C
during rest season). Exposition to Outside bright sun, filtered sunlight or afternoon
shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Subject to sunburn if
exposed to direct sun for too long. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages
flowering and heavy spine production. Propagation is by division, or direct sow
after last frost. Seeds germinate in 7-14 days at 21-27° C in spring, remove the glass
cover gradually as the plants develops and keep ventilated, no full sun for young
plants! The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted, after which
they can be planted separately in small pots. Cuttings: wait until the offsets that
appear at the base of old clustered specimens are 1/3 the size of the parent and
then detach and plant. Cuttings will take root in a minimum temperature of 20° C (but
better in hot weather). Cuttings of healthy shoots can be taken in the spring and
summer. Cut the stem with a sharp, sterile knife, leave the cutting in a warm, dry
place for a week or weeks (depending on how thick the cutting is) until a callus forms
over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container
filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a surface layer of coarse grit. They
should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too
wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings
should root in 2 to 6 weeks.

Uses:
It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It
look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame.
Traditional uses:
The white, hooked spines of this spherical cactus were used as fish hooks in its native
Mexico.
Pests & diseases:
It may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly
pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and
ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders:
Sensitive to red spider mite. Overhead watering is helpful in controlling mites.
- Mealy bugs:
Occasionally mealy bugs they develop aerial into the new growth among the wool with
disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are
invisible excep by their effects.
- Scales:
Scales are rarely a problem.
- Rot:
Rot it is only a minor problem with cacti if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If
they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
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