Scientific: Mammillaria mystax (there are 12 recognized synonyms)
Common: no common name
Family: Cactaceae
Origin: Found in This species is Endemic to highland regions of Mexico in the states of Guerrero, Oaxaca and Puebla at elevations of 3,000 to 8,500 feet.
Pronounciation: Mam-a-LAR-ee-a MIS-tax
Hardiness zones
Sunset 11-13
USDA 8-11
Landscape Use: This is an excellent accent plant for small desert, rock and succulent gardens, patio containers and bright indoor gardens.
Form & Character: Rounded, diminuative, dainty, fragile, subtle, symmetrical, pure.
Growth Habit: Evergreen, succulent perennial, mostly a small barrel cactus, but with age will develop a slight columnar habit, to 6-inches tall and 8 inches in diameter.
Foliage/Texture: Spines six or more per areole, variable length in several series but all equally thin, mostly appressed, brown to dark brown in color, surrounded at the aerole by a bedded mat of very short white hairs; fine texture.
Flowers & Fruits: Produces a ring (crown) of small and delicate pink flowers, fruit inconspicuous.
Seasonal Color: Flowers profusely in spring.
Temperature: Heat tolerant to 115oF, cold tolerant to 30oF.
Light: Partial sun, which means no full western afternoon summer sun in Phoenix. Grows best when planted in an eastern sunny exposure.
Soil: Does best in rocky, fast draining, slightly alkaine soil.
Watering: Rarely needs supplemental irrigation in Phoenix. Do not water during the winter.
Pruning: None.
Propagation: Seed, rare.
Disease and Pests: None if cultured properly. If overwatered, then root rot will occur especially if soil is not fast draining.
Additional comments: Mammillaria are generally smaller and more delicate cacti with much visual appeal when used in intimate landscape settings such as desert rock gardens. There are over 275 recognized species in the genus Mammillaria.
