Mammillaria bocasana
Mammillaria bocasana is a species of cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae. It is often sold as a "powder puff" cactus,[1] and also as a "Powder Puff Pincushion."[2] The plant is protected from collecting in the wild in Mexico.[3]
Mammillaria bocasana | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
Genus: | Mammillaria |
Species: | M. bocasana |
Binomial name | |
Mammillaria bocasana Poselg., 1853 | |
Habitat
In its natural habitat of Northern central Mexico, it is found between 1650–2300 meters above sea level.[2] It grows on canyon walls, in volcanic rock and in semi-desert environs, often under bushes of native plants.[2] It has been listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2009.[3]
Description
Mammillaria bocasana is hemispherical in shape. It has "white, hair-like spines" that cover up its radial and hooked central spines.[1] During the spring and summer, it bears several cream-colored flowers.[4] Later it bears a red cylindrical fruit that contains reddish-brown seeds which display partially lateral hilum.[5] Its form can be variable, with many different varieties or subspecies.[2]
Cultivation
Mammillaria bocasana can be propagated from seed.[1] As it grows, it offsets, creating large mounds.[4] This cactus is prone to rot and can tolerate temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit) for short amounts of time.[1] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6]
References
- Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorentz Books. p. 84. ISBN 9780754818427.
- "Mammillaria bocasana Poselg". Encyclopedia of Cacti. Encyclopedia of Living forms. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- "Mammillaria bocasana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- Hewitt, Terry (2013). Cacti. London: Anness Publishing Limited. p. 32. ISBN 9781780192840.
- "Mammillaria bocasana ssp bocasana". Mammillarias.net. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- "Mammillaria bocasana". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
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