Mammillaria polythele - mammillaria (Pot 10 cm)

Genus of about 150 species of perennial cacti, from spherical to cylindrical or columnar, of semi-desert regions, mainly of Mexico, but also of the southern United States, West Indies, Central America, Colombia and Venezuela. Mammillaria polythele is a decorative plant highly appreciated for its ease of cultivation and limited development. It has a globose stem that becomes cylindrical as it grows, maintaining a rounded apex. The color is gray green and grows up to 40 cm in height, with a diameter ranging from 6 cm to 8 cm. The globose stem has pyramidal tubercles placed in a spiral, the latter are covered by white fluff at the base and have 5-6 thorns at the apex. The bell-shaped, reddish-purple flowers are arranged in a circle near the apex. The fruits are club-shaped, reddish in color and contain small reddish seeds.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in well-drained soil that is not too rich. Sunny exposure. In winter it resists down to -4-5° C as long as it is kept dry. It can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens where temperatures do not fall below freezing. In colder climates it can be grown in pots and placed outdoors during spring and summer and sheltered during autumn and winter.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Mammillaria polythele

Family: Cactaceae