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
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
  1. Anderson, Miles (2008). The Complete Illustrated Guide to Growing Cacti & Succulents. London: Lorentz Books. p. 84. ISBN 9780754818427.
  2. "Mammillaria bocasana Poselg". Encyclopedia of Cacti. Encyclopedia of Living forms. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  3. "Mammillaria bocasana". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013. 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  4. Hewitt, Terry (2013). Cacti. London: Anness Publishing Limited. p. 32. ISBN 9781780192840.
  5. "Mammillaria bocasana ssp bocasana". Mammillarias.net. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
  6. "Mammillaria bocasana". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 3 January 2021.
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