Feather Cactus
Mammillaria plumosa
Cactus family (Cactaceae)
Bearing edible, tomato-red fruits ('chilitos')
With about 170 species, Mammillaria form one of the larger cactus genera. The genus name, Mammillaria, comes from mammilla meaning ‘nipple’, in reference to the tubercles, the nipple-like protuberances, from which the spines emerge. This distinguishes them from the more recognisable cacti with ribs aligned with spines. The spherical-shaped body is light green, but usually hidden under the fluffy white hairs that cover the cactus. Each ‘nipple’ or tubercle supports about 40 downy spines of 3 - 7 cm in length.
The flowers of Mammillaria appear, not from the areoles, but just in the axils between the tubercles. A ring of stiff, cream-white tubular flowers reaching 1.5 cm in length protrude slightly from the hairs to be pollinated by bees. After flowering they produce edible, tomato-red fruit (chilitos), usually hidden beneath the hairs.
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Mammilaria plumosa is pollinated by bees.
After flowering edible, tomato-red fruits ('chilitos') develop but are hidden within a hairy covering.
The feather ball cactus is very popular with collectors because of its attractive habit. Around Christmas time the plant is collected by the local community for sale in street stalls and as decorations for nativity scenes.
Details
Description: | Succulent, cactus, up to 0.07 m. |
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Distributions: | Mexico |
Habitat: | Grows on limestone cliffs in sparse, xerophytic shrubland. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (trees and shrubs included) |
Hardiness: | 34 - 41 f (tender - cool or frost-free glasshouse) |
Flower color: | White, yellow |
Notes on flowers: | Whitish yellow. |