Mammillaria prolifera - mammillaria (Alveolus)

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 prolifera is a plant belonging to the cactaceae family. Its dimensions remain limited, it has globose stems that reach a maximum of 9 cm and are dark green in colour, it can have up to 40 white radial spines approximately 4 mm long while the central spines can reach a length of 1 cm and have the darker tip tending towards brownish. The flowers are cream or pink in color and the fruits are scarlet red in color with an elongated oval shape, very showy.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in well-drained soil not too rich in organic substance and good limestone content. Sunny exposure. In winter it resists down to -4°/-6°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, placed outdoors during spring and summer and sheltered during autumn and winter. Being a small species with limited development, it is ideal for growing in pots on terraces and balconies. In areas with a mild climate, it can also be grown in small pockets of soil in rock gardens or dry stone walls.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Mammillaria prolifera

Family: Cactaceae