Mammillaria bocasana is a species of cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae. It is often sold as a "powder puff" cactus,[2] and also as a "Powder Puff Pincushion."[3] The plant is protected from collecting in the wild in Mexico.[1]
| Mammillaria bocasana | |
|---|---|
 | |
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.[3] It grows on canyon walls, in volcanic rock and in semi-desert environs, often under bushes of native plants.[3] It has been listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2009.[1]
Description
Mammillaria bocasana is hemispherical in shape. It has "white, hair-like spines" that cover up its radial and hooked central spines.[2] 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.[3]
Cultivation
Mammillaria bocasana can be propagated from seed.[2] 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.[2] It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6]
References
