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Mammillaria
humboldtii.
This is one of the most beautiful species, with lots of bright
purplish-pink
flowers blooming abundantly in spring,
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Description: Solitary or
clumping (mat forming).
Stems: Depressed globose to globose, light green, up to 7 cm in
height and in diameter, without latex.
Tubercles: Cylindrical, rounded above with wool and white bristles in
the axils.
Radial spines: Up to 80 or more, unequal, small, tightly fitting,
low lying, pure white, 4 - 6 mm long.
Central spine: None.
Flower: Bright pink-purple, up to 25 mm long and 15 mm in diameter.
Fruit: Club shaped, red.
Seed: Black.
Blooming season (Europe): April, May.Note: Mammillari
candida is not to be considered a valid synonym.
The
differences between this species and Mammilloydia candida
are substantial. There is an indication of the International Cactaceae
Systematics Group (ICSG) to consider the Mammilloydia as a
separate and distinct genus in the year 2001. The difference is
in the
seeds, that are not pitted and lack perisperm. The Mammilloydia
genus is believed to be the result of
a
convergent evolution between the Mammillaria and
Neolloydia genera.
Also, in 2001 the ICSG decided that Mammillaria humboldtii
is a separate and different species than Mammilloydia candida:
It is no longer a synonym as of 2001.
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Mammillara humboldtii is a sperical, white,
offsetting species with a snowball appearance.
Except for the color of
the flowers, this plant looks like Mammilloydia candida.
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Cultivation: It is a
relatively rapidly growing species . 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.
Propagation: Division, direct sow after last
frost.
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Cultivation
and Mail Sale 
