THE GENUS MAMILLARIA.
(From mamilla, a little teat; in allusion to the tubercles.)
Something over 300 different kinds of Mamillaria are known, but only a
small proportion of these may be considered as garden plants. They are
characterised generally by short, symmetrically-formed stems, sometimes
aggregated together and forming a dense tuft, but, as a rule, each plant
has only one stem. The generic name is descriptive of the chief feature
in these stems, namely, the closely-set, spirally-arranged tubercles or
mamillae, which vary considerably in the different kinds, but are always
present in some form or other. Some kinds have stems only 1 in. high by
2/3 in. in diameter, and the tubercles hidden from view by the
star-shaped cushions of reddish or white spines. In some, the spines are
erect and hair-like, giving the plant the appearance of tiny
sea-urchins; another group has the principal spines hooked at the tip,
and the points in these so sharp that if the hand comes in contact with
them they hook into it and stick like fish-hooks. The purpose of these
hooked spines seems doubtful; certainly, they cannot serve as any
protection to the plant itself, as they are so strong that the plant
must be torn up by the roots before the hooks will give way.
The spines in M. macromeris are straight, and measure 2 in. in length; in
M. multiceps they are in two series, the one fine, white, and short, the
other yellow and stout. The most marked section of this genus, however,
is that represented by M. fissurata (Fig. 61), in which the tubercles
are large, spreading horizontally, and angular, resembling most closely
the foliage and habit of some of the Haworthias. No one who had not read
up the botany of Mamillarias would suspect that this plant belonged to
them, or even to the Cactus order at all. There is a good specimen of it
in the Kew collection. When in flower the family resemblance is easily
seen; but as this species does not flower freely, it will be known by
its remarkable foliage-like tubercles, rather than as a flowering
Cactus. And the same remark applies to many of the Mamillarias; their
stems thickly beset with tubercles and spines, always regular in
arrangement, and neat and attractive in appearance.
The following remarks made by Dr. Lindley when describing M. tenuis,
give a good idea of the singular, yet pretty, stems of some of these
plants: "Gentle reader, hast thou never seen in a display of fireworks a
crowd of wheels all in motion at once, crossing and intersecting each
other in every direction; and canst thou fancy those wheels arrested in
their motion by some magic power--their rays retained, but their fires
extinguished and their brightness gone? Then mayst thou conceive the
curious beauty of this little herb--a plant so unlike all others that
we would fain believe it the reanimated spirit of a race that flourished
in former ages, with those hideous monsters whose bones alone remain to
tell the history of their existence." It is quite true that in the
cultivated Mamillarias there is nothing unsightly, or rough, or
unfinished. Without foliage, their stems globose, or short cylinders, or
arranged in little cushion-like tufts, and enveloped in silky spines,
like tiny red stars, always looking the same, except when in flower, and
never looking in the least like ordinary plants. Characters such as
these ought to find many admirers. In the Succulent House at Kew, there
is a long shelf upon which a great many plants of this genus may be
seen. But the flowers in some of the species of Mamillaria are quite as
attractive as the stems. Those of M. macromeris are 3 in. long and wide,
their colour a deep rose; M. Scheerii has equally large flowers, and
coloured bright yellow, as also are the flowers of M. pectinata. This
last is remarkable on account of the clock-like regularity with which
its flowers expand. While fresh, they open every day between eleven and
twelve o'clock, and close again about one, however strong the sunlight
shining upon them may be. Some of the kinds (more especially the
small-flowered ones) are often prettily studded over with bright red,
coral-like berries, which are the little fruits, and contain, as a rule,
matured seeds capable of reproducing the parent plant.
The headquarters of the genus Mamillaria is Mexico, and the countries
immediately to the north, a few being scattered over the West Indies,
Bolivia, Brazil, and Chili. Many of them grow on mountains where the
temperature is moderate, but where the sunlight is always intense.
Others are found on limestone or gravelly hills, among short herbage, or
on grassy prairies. A small silvery-spined kind has recently been found
near the snow line in Chili. M. vivipara is quite hardy in New York, as
also are several other kinds, whilst we learn that by planting them out
in summer, and protecting them by means of a frame from heavy rain,
dews, fogs, and sudden changes of weather, a good many species of both
Mamillaria and Echinocactus are successfully managed in the
neighbourhood of that town.
Cultivation.--Particulars with respect to cultivation are given along
with the descriptions of most of the species, but a few general
principles may here be noted. With only a few exceptions, all the
cultivated Mamillarias may be grown in a warm, sunny greenhouse, or they
may be placed in a frame with a south aspect, during our summer,
removing them into artificially heated quarters for the winter. They do
not like a large body of soil about their roots, but always thrive best
when in comparatively small pots. If a sweet, new, fibry loam, mixed
with broken bricks or cinders, be used to pot these plants in, they may
then be left undisturbed at the root for several years. Much harm is
often done to the more delicate kinds of Cactuses by repotting them
annually; the best-managed collection I have seen had not been repotted
for four years. This would not be safe if a poor and exhausted soil were
used in the first instance. The pots should be well drained with crocks,
and these covered with a layer of fibre sifted from loam. In summer, the
soil should be kept moist, but never saturated; and after a bright warm
day, the stems may be moistened over by syringing them with tepid water.
A point of much importance in connection with these, and indeed all
tropical and extra-tropical plants, is, that the water used for watering
or syringing them should be rain-water if possible, and never more than
a degree or so colder than the plants themselves would be. Thus, a plant
which had been standing in the full glare of a midsummer sun all day,
would be much endangered by watering it with cold tap-water. Where
proper arrangements for water are not made in a greenhouse or stove, it
is a good plan to place the water wanted for the day's use in the sun
along with the plants. A little bag filled with soot and tightly tied at
the neck, and water, is a good method for rendering hard tap-water
suitable for watering the roots of plants. In winter, Mamillarias may be
kept quite dry at the roots, except in mild sunny weather, when a little
water may be given.
A collection of the most distinct kinds may be successfully managed in a
glass case in a room window, providing the sun shines through it for a
few hours in the day.
Propagation.--This is usually effected by means of seeds, which may be
procured from Continental seedsmen as well as from our own. The
treatment required by the seeds is similar to what has been already
advised for those of other Cactuses. The tufted kinds are easily
multiplied by separating the stems, or even by cutting off the tops and
planting them in small pots of sandy soil.
SPECIES. The following kinds are selected from those known to be in
cultivation; of course, it is out of the question here to enumerate all
the species known.
M. angularis (angular-tubercled).--A robust kind, with stems 4 in. to
8 in. high, and branching somewhat freely; tubercles prism-shaped, rather
thick at the base, and slightly angular, ¼ in. long, their tops tufted
with short white spines; at the base of the tubercles are little tufts
of white wool. Flowers are only rarely produced by cultivated plants;
they are small, tubular, rosy-purple, the stamens yellow. Introduced
from Mexico in 1835; flowers in summer. When happily situated, it forms
a specimen 1 ft. in diameter, owing to its freely produced arm-like
branches, which spread out and curve upwards. It requires a warm
greenhouse temperature during winter, and exposure to bright sunshine at
all times.
M. applanata (flattened).--In this, the stem is broader than high, and
has a squat appearance; tubercles ¾ in. long, cone-shaped, with stellate
tufts of straight, hair-like spines, white when young, yellowish when
aged. Flowers springing from the outside of the stem-top, white, tinged
with red. It is a native of Mexico, and blossoms in summer. A specimen,
6 in. through at the base, may be seen at Kew, where it has been for many
years, without altering perceptibly in size. All the larger-stemmed
Mamillarias are exceedingly slow growers after they have reached a
certain size, although, in the seedling stage, they grow freely. The
treatment for this kind should resemble that advised for the last.
M. atrata (blackened).--Stem oval in shape, broad at the base, 4 in.
high, unbranched; tubercles swollen, ½ in. long, deep green, cone-shaped,
becoming flattened through pressure of growth. Spines set in a tuft of
white hairs, falling off from the lowest mammae, as happens in many of
the thick-stemmed kinds. Flowers numerous, and developed all round the
outside of the stem, stalkless, nestling closely between the tubercles,
and when expanded looking like starry buttons of a rosy-pink colour.
Native of Chili, flowering in autumn. This species is rare in England,
but is worth attention because of the prettiness of its flowers, the
attractive form of its stem, and its reputed hardiness. It will thrive
in a cold frame, and requires protection from excessive wet only, rather
than from cold. Grown in a warm house, it becomes sickly, and is
short-lived.
M. bicolor (two-coloured).--One of the commonest of the Cactuses grown
in English gardens, and one of the most distinct, owing to its short,
silvery hair-like spines, thickly crowded on the ends of the small
tubercles, completely hiding the stem from view. The latter is from 6 in.
to 1 ft. high, 3 in. in diameter, cylindrical, often branching into
several thick arms, when it has a quaint appearance. If kept free from
dust, which may be done by covering the plant with a bell glass, there
is much beauty in the stem; indeed, it is owing to this, rather than as
a flowering Cactus, that this species finds favour as a garden plant.
The flowers are less than 1 in. in length and width, stellate, their
colour deep purple; they are developed in June. Although a native of
elevated regions in Mexico (4000-5000 ft.), this plant thrives best when
grown in a warm house. There are several handsome and very old specimens
of it in the tropical collection of succulents at Kew. It is one of the
easiest to manage, and will thrive in a warm room-window if exposed to
bright sunlight and kept dry in winter. M. nivea and M. nobilis are both
varieties of this species.
M. chlorantha (greenish-yellow).--A newly-introduced species with
erect, cylinder-shaped stems, 6 in. high, clothed with numerous
tubercles, which are tipped with clusters of long, silvery, interlacing,
hair-like spines, and a few stouter blackish ones. The flowers are
described as greenish-yellow, so that they are not likely to add much to
the beauty of the plant, which is recommended because of the
attractiveness of its stem and spines. It is a native of Mexico and
Texas, whence it was introduced some two years ago. It requires
cool-house treatment, and should be kept free from dust, which
disfigures the white spines.
M. cirrhifera (twisted).--Like M. bicolor, this species owes its
frequent occurrence in gardens to the symmetry and neatly-chiselled form
of its stems, and not to any attraction possessed by its flowers. It
will thrive anywhere where the sun can shine upon it, if sheltered from
severe cold and wet. In a cottage window it may be grown, and kept for
many years, without losing health or, on the other hand, increasing much
in size. Its usual height is about 5 in., by 4 in. in diameter. The
tubercles are angular at the base, and bear tufts of yellowish spines on
their pointed apices. The flowers are small, and bright rose-coloured,
but only rarely produced on cultivated plants. Introduced from Mexico in
1835.
M. clava (club-shaped); Bot. Mag. 4358.--In the size of its stem, and
the large, brightly-coloured flowers it bears, this species may be
compared with some of the Echinocactuses. The stem is from 1 ft. to 1½ ft.
high, 4 in. wide at the base, narrowing slightly upwards; the tubercles
are 1 in. long, and nearly as much through at the base, their shape that
of little pyramids, and their tips bear each from eight to eleven stout,
straight spines, pale brown, with a little wool at the base. The flowers
are borne on the top of the stem, two or three of them together; the
sepals are green and red, and the spreading petals are straw-coloured
and glossy, their edges near the top being toothed. In the centre of the
shallow cup formed by the petals, and which measures nearly 4 in. across,
the orange-coloured stamens are clustered, in a kind of disk, through
the middle of which the yellow stigma projects. It is a native of
Mexico, at an altitude of 5000 ft. Introduced in 1848, when it flowered
at Kew, in June, at which time it flowers almost every year now. A warm
greenhouse affords the most suitable conditions for it; but, unless it
is kept in full sunshine both summer and winter, and perfectly dry
during the latter season, it will not produce any flowers. As a
flowering plant, it ranks amongst the very best of the Mamillarias. It
is easily propagated from seeds ripened on cultivated plants.
M. dasyacantha (thick-spined).--Stem 2 in. to 3 in. high, almost
globular, and covered with spiral whorls of tiny tubercles, in the
grooves of which is a little whitish wool, which falls away as the
tubercles ripen. The spines upon the tubercles are arranged in little
stars, with an erect central one. The flowers are small, and spring from
the centre of the stem. This is one of the Thimble Cactuses, and is too
small to have any great attractions, either in stem or flowers. It is,
however, a pretty plant, especially when studded with its ruby-like
flowers, which look like coloured Daisies growing upon a dense tuft of
hairs. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on high mountains among
short grass and other herbage.
M. discolor (spines two-coloured).--Stem globose, about 4 in. in
diameter; tubercles smooth, egg-shaped, their bases embedded in white
wool, their tips crowned with stellate tufts of short, reddish spines.
Flowers numerous, and borne from almost all parts of the stem, less than
1 in. wide, and composed of a single whorl of narrow, reflexed,
rose-purple petals, surrounding a large, disk-like cluster of yellow
stamens. The flowers are so short that they are half hidden by the
tubercles. It is a native of Mexico, where it grows on rocks, in warm,
sheltered places. Under cultivation it thrives when grown on a dry shelf
in a warm house, and kept moist in summer, but perfectly dry in winter.
M. dolichocentra (long-spurred); Fig. 58.--Apparently this is a
variable species; at all events, plants of widely different habit are
found under this name, one of them represented in the Figure here,
another in the Garden, Vol. XVII., whilst others are figured or
described in other books. What is known at Kew as the true plant is that
here figured. This has a stout stem, about 8 in. high and 3 in. wide, and
covered with smooth cone-shaped mammae, with woolly bases and stellate
tufts of spines on their tips. The flowers are produced about 1 in. from
the top of the stem, and are less than 1 in. wide; they are, however,
often very numerous, sometimes a closely-set ring of them surrounding
the stem, like a daisy chain, their colour being pale purple. Below the
flowers there is often a whorl of club-shaped fruits, ¾ in. long, and
rose-coloured. These contain numerous little black seeds, which, when
ripe, may be sown in pots of very sandy loam. The plant is a native of
Mexico, and flowers in summer. It thrives in a tropical temperature, and
enjoys a daily syringing overhead on bright days in summer, but in
winter requires little or no water.
[Illustration: FIG. 58. MAMILLARIA DOLICHOCENTRA.]
M. echinata (hedgehog-like).--A charming little plant, with very small
stems, clustered together in a cushion-like tuft, each stem less than
1 in. wide; but a well-grown specimen is composed of dozens of these,
packed almost one on top of the other. The tubercles are hidden by the
star-like spine clusters which cap them, and look like a swarm of
insects. Flowers very small, rose-coloured, and lasting only about a
day. These are succeeded by numerous currant-like red berries, so
numerous, in fact, that the plants look as if thickly studded all over
with coral beads. The central stem is sometimes about 6 in. high, those
surrounding it being shorter and shorter, till the outside ones rise
only just above the soil. A well-grown plant of this is strikingly
pretty, even when not in fruit. It is a native of Mexico, and requires
the treatment of a warm house. A few pieces of broken brick should be
placed upon the surface of the soil about the base of the plant, as the
stems like to press against, or grow upon, anything in the nature of
rocky ground.
M. echinus (hedgehog-like); Fig. 59.--A distinct and pretty little
plant, the largest specimen having a stem about the size and shape of a
small hen's-egg, completely hidden under the densely interwoven radial
spines, which crown the thirteen spiral rows of tubercles, and are
almost white when mature. The tubercles are ½ in. long, and, in addition
to these white radiating spines, they also bear each a stout spike-like
spine, growing from the centre of the others. This spine gives the plant
an appearance quite distinct from all other cultivated Mamillarias. The
flowers are produced two or three together, on the top of the stem, and
they are nearly 2 in. long, cup-shaped, and coloured yellow; they usually
appear about June. As yet this species is rare in cultivated
collections. It comes from Mexico, where it is found growing on
limestone hills, in hot and arid localities. Under cultivation it
requires a warm greenhouse temperature, exposure to bright sunshine all
the year round, with a moderate supply of water in summer, and none at
all during winter. A few large pieces of broken brick or sandstone
placed in the soil, just under the base of the stem, afford the roots
conditions suitable to their healthy growth.
[Illustration: FIG. 59. MAMILLARIA ECHINUS.]
M. elegans (elegant).--A small species, grown only for the prettiness
of its stem, flowers rarely, if ever, being borne by it under
cultivation. The stem is 2 in. high and wide, globose, with small conical
tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. Spines short and
slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each tubercle, with four
central ones a little longer than those which surround them; the colour
of the spines is whitish, with brown tips. Native country Mexico, on
high exposed hills; in this country it requires greenhouse treatment.
Introduced about 1850.
M. elephantidens (elephant's-tooth); Fig. 60.--One of the largest and
most remarkable of all garden Mamillarias. Stem globose, depressed, 6 in.
to 8 in. in diameter, and bright shining green. Tubercles smooth, round,
1½ in. long, furrowed across the top, which is at first filled with wool,
but when old is naked. At the base of the tubercles there is a dense
tuft of white wool, and springing from the furrows are eight radiating
recurved spines, and three short central ones, all strong, stiff, and
ivory-white, tipped with brown. The flowers are 3 in. wide, and are
composed of a circle of violet-coloured sepals, with white margins, and
a second circle of petals which are bright rose, pale purple at the
base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. The
stamens are numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers, and
the pistil is stout, erect, projecting above the stamens, with a
radiating stigma. Flowers in autumn; native country, Paraguay. Under
cultivation, it grows quicker than is usual with plants of this genus,
and it is also exceptional in the regular and abundant production of its
flowers. It has been a rarity in European collections for many years,
and, although easily grown, it is often killed through wrong treatment.
A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, plenty of water whilst
growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil, suit it best; whilst
during winter it must be kept perfectly dry, and protected only from
frost. In a tropical house, it is invariably sickly, and altogether
unsatisfactory.
[Illustration: FIG. 60. MAMILLARIA ELIPHANTIDENS.]
M. elongata (elongated).--A small, cushion-like kind, with the stems in
tufts, owing to their producing offsets freely from the base, the
tallest of them being about as high and as thick as a man's thumb. The
tubercles are short, crowded, and hidden under the star-clusters of
reddish-yellow spines. There are no central spines in this kind. The
flowers are produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the
stem, a large tuft of stems being thickly studded with circles of tawny
yellow petals, which are only about ½ in. long. The berries are bright
coral-red, and about the size of a date stone. There are several
varieties of this species, under the names of intertexta, rufescens,
rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. These differ only slightly either in
the length or thickness of the stems or in the colour of the spines. All
of them may be grown in a cold frame, or in a window where the sun can
shine upon them; or they may be grown along with tropical kinds. For
small cases in windows, these little Thimble Cactuses are amongst the
most suitable. They are natives of high mountains in Mexico, and have
been cultivated in Europe over forty years.
M. fissurata (fissured); Fig. 61.--In appearance, this rare species
mimics some of the Gasterias, and is so different from all the kinds
hitherto described, that very few people unacquainted with it would
suspect that it belonged to the same genus as M. elongata or M.
dolichocentra. Indeed, some botanists have made a separate genus of this
and several other plants of the same peculiar appearance, calling them
Anhalonium. M. fissurata is like a whip-top in shape, the root being
thick and woody, and the tubercles arranged in a thick layer, spreading
from the centre, rosette-like. A living plant in the Kew collection is
2 in. high by 4 in. wide, the tubercles being triangular in shape, ½ in.
thick, wrinkled, with an irregular furrow on the upper surface. The
flowers grow from the middle of the stem, and are 1½ in. wide, and
rose-coloured. Native of Mexico, on hard gravel or limestone soils. We
know of no plant in English collections, except that at Kew, which was
introduced from Mexico in 1886. It flowers in September and October.
[Illustration: FIG. 61. MAMILLARIA FISSURATA.]
M. floribunda (free-flowering).--A French writer on Cactuses, M.
Labouret, calls this a species of Echinocactus, but it resembles so
closely another species included by him in Mamillaria, viz., M. atrata,
that we see no good reason for separating the two into different genera.
M. floribunda has an irregular conical stem, about 5 in. high by 4 in.
wide at the base, round nut-like tubercles the size of filberts, crowned
with star-tufts of spines ¾ in. long, stiff, and brown, about ten spines
being set with their bases in a small disc-like pad of dirty-white wool.
The flowers are very numerous, covering the whole of the stem-top, from
which they stand erect, so as to form a dense bouquet of rose-coloured
petals. Each flower is 2 in. long. Native of Chili; introduced about
1835. Flowers in summer. This handsome kind will thrive in a window,
and, if well supplied with fresh air, sunshine, and sufficient water to
keep the soil moist, it will flower almost every year. It must have no
water in winter.
M. gracilis (slender).--A small Thimble Cactus, remarkable for its
proliferous stems, a single stem 2 in. high producing all round its upper
half numerous, offshoots, which fall to the ground and grow. In this way
a tuft of stems is soon developed round the first one. If these
offshoots are removed as they appear, the stem will grow longer and
stouter than it does when they are left. Tubercles small, green,
crowded; spines in a stellate tuft, short, curved, pale yellow or white.
Flowers as in M. elongata, to which this species is closely allied. In
window cases, or on a shelf in a cool greenhouse, it will grow and
multiply rapidly. Like the bulk of the caespitose, or Thimble Cactuses,
it does not make much show when in flower; and it is only its stems,
with their white stars of spines and clusters of little offsets hanging
about them, that are attractive. Native of Mexico; introduced about
1850. There is a variety known as pulchella, in which the spines are of
a yellow hue.
M. Grahami (Graham's).--A pretty little species, with globose stems,
scarcely 3 in. high, and nearly the same in diameter, branching sometimes
when old; tubercles ¼ in. long, egg-shaped, corky when old, and
persistent. Spines in tufts of about twenty, all radiating except one in
the centre, which is hooked; they are about ½ in. long. Flowers 1 in.
long, usually produced in a circle round the stem. Fruit a small, oval
berry, ½ in. long. This is a native of Colorado, in mountainous regions.
It is very rare in cultivation. The flowers are developed in June and
July.
M. Haageana (Haage's); Fig. 62.--The habit of this is shown in the
Figure, which is reduced to about one-fourth the natural size. As the
stem gets older, it becomes more elongated. Tubercles small, four-sided
at the base, pointed at the top, where the spines are arranged in a
star, about twenty of them on each tubercle, with two central ones,
which are longer, stiffer, and much darker in colour than those on the
outside; flowers small, almost hidden beneath the spines, bright
carmine-rose; they are produced on the sides of the upper portion of the
stem in June. There is a close resemblance between this and M.
cirrhifera, and the treatment for both should be the same. Mexico, 1835.
[Illustration: FIG. 62. MAMILLARIA HAAGEANA.]
M. longimamma (long-tubercled); Fig. 63.--A well-marked species in the
size of its mammae, or tubercles, which are at least 1 in. long by 1/3 in.
in diameter, terete, slightly curved, and narrowed to a pointed apex,
the texture being very soft and watery. Each tubercle bears a radiating
tuft of about twelve spines, one central and projecting outwards; they
are pale brown when old, and white when young; their length is about
½ in. A tuft of short, white wool is developed at the base of the spines
on the young mammae. The stem is seldom more than 4 in. in height, and it
branches at the base when old. Flowers large and handsome,
citron-yellow; the tube short, and hidden in the mammae; the petals
1½ in. long, narrow, pointed, and all directed upwards; stamens numerous,
short. Flowering season, early summer. Native country, Mexico. It
requires greenhouse treatment, or it may be placed in a sunny frame out
of doors during summer. It is not easily multiplied from seeds, but is
free in the production of offsets from the base of the stem.
[Illustration: FIG. 63. MAMILLARIA LONGIMAMMA.]
M. macromeris (large-flowered); Fig. 64.--Stem about 4 in. high, naked
at the base, woody and wrinkled when old. Tubercles as in M. longimamma,
but with curving radial spines, like needles, often 2 in. in length,
white or rose-tinted when young, almost black when old. Flowers from the
centre of the stem, 3 in. long, and about the same in width; the petals
regular and spreading, as in the Ox-eye daisy; stamens numerous, short,
forming a disk; colour carmine, almost purple just before fading.
Flowering season, August. Native of Mexico, where it is found in loose,
sand on hillocks, generally about the roots of Acacias. It is one of the
most beautiful of all Mamillarias; but it is, as yet, rare in
collections. It requires the same treatment as M. longimamma, except
that, owing to the woody nature of its rootstock, and its long, tap-like
roots, it should be planted in pans instead of pots, using a compost of
rough loam, mixed with lumps of broken brick or limestone.
[Illustration: FIG. 64. MAMILLARIA MACROMERIS.]
M. macrothele (large-nippled); Bot. Mag. 3634, as M. Lehmanni.--This
belongs to the same group as M. cirrhifera, but is distinguished by its
large mammae, which are four-angled at the base, ¾ in. long, narrowed to
a point, upon which is a tuft of wool and a cluster of about eight
spines, ½ in. long, spreading, reddish-brown in colour, the central one
being almost black, 1 in. long, and pointing downwards. In the axils of
the mammae are tufts of white wool. Flowers on the top of the stern,
erect, spreading, about 1½ in. across when expanded; the petals
overlapping, and pale yellow; the stamens red at the base, arranged in a
dense cluster, and the rays of the stigma spreading over them. Flowering
time, early summer. Native country, Mexico, on prairie lands, at high
elevations. This species is almost hardy in the warmer parts of this
country, suffering from damp rather than frost in winter. The stem is
not particularly handsome, but the flowers are large and bright, and
they are produced annually by plants which are grown in a cool,
well-aired greenhouse or frame, with the sun shining on them all day.
M. micromeris (small-flowered); Fig. 65.--A small, cushion-like plant,
with a stem never more than 1½ in. across by about 1 in. in height, so
that it has the appearance of a small, flattened ball, with a raised,
disk-like portion on the top. The mammae are very small, and they are
completely hidden by the numerous fine, white, silky spines and wool
which spring in tufts from the apex of each mamma, and interlace so as
to form a spider-web-like net all over the stem. The flowers are small,
and they spring from the centre of the disk-like top of the stern; they
are composed of from three to five sepals, and five petals, which are
whitish or pink, and measure about ¼ in. across when open. Native
country, Mexico, where it is found only in naked places on mountain tops
or sides where limestone is plentiful. It requires much care under
cultivation, water in excess being fatal to it, and a soil of the wrong
sort soon killing all its roots. It is cultivated at Kew in a small pot,
in a mixture of loam and lime rubbish, and grown in a warm greenhouse.
[Illustration: FIG. 65. MAMILLARIA MICROMERIS.]
M. multiceps (many-branched).--Stem short, with numerous branches,
which again push forth other branches, so that a dense tuft of dumpy,
globose stems is formed. The mammae are small, and arranged closely
together, and they each bear a tuft of whitish wool, with a radiating
cluster of spines, which are soft, almost hair-like in texture, the
inner ones being stiffer, and coloured dull yellow. The flowers are
small, and almost hidden by the spines and tubercles; they are pale
yellow, with a line of red down the middle of each petal. Native
country, Mexico. This plant should be grown on a shelf in a cool
greenhouse--anything like a stove temperature being fatal to it. As a
flowering plant it is of no value, but the compact tuft formed by its
numerous stems, with their attractive spines, renders it worthy of
cultivation.
M. Neumanniana (Neumann's).--This is a member of the group with angular
tubercles and comparatively small flowers. It has a stem about 6 in.
high, cylindrical, the tubercles arranged spirally, their bases
compressed, four or five-angled, and with a tuft of white wool in their
axils. The areoles or tufts on the tops of the mammae are large, and the
spines are about seven in number, ½ in. long, and of a tawny-yellow
colour. The flowers are produced near the top of the stem; they are
about ½ in. long, and rose-red in colour. Native country, Mexico. It
requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
M. Ottonis (Ottoni's); Fig. 66.--A very distinct and pretty plant is
cultivated under the name at Kew; but there are, apparently, two
different species under the same name--the one being spiny and large in
the stem; the other, which is here shown, having a small, compressed
stem, 3 in. across, numerous compressed tubercles, and short, hair-like
spines. The flowers, which are large for the size of the plant, are
white, and are developed in May and June. Native country, Mexico;
introduced in 1834. It requires similar treatment to M. micromeris.
[Illustration: FIG. 66. MAMILLARIA OTTONIS.]
M. pectinata (comb-like); Fig. 67.--Stems globose, from 2 in. to 3 in. in
diameter; the rootstock woody; the tubercles arranged in about thirteen
spiral rows, swollen at the base, and bearing each a star-like tuft of
about twenty-four stiff, brown, radial spines, without a central one;
the length varies from ½ in. to 1 in., and they are comb-like in their
regular arrangement. When not in flower, this species bears a close
resemblance to small plants of Cereus pectinatus. Flowers terminal,
solitary, large, their width quite 3 in. when fully expanded; sepals
reddish-green; petals rich sulphur-yellow; filaments reddish, very
numerous; the flowers open at noon, and close after about two hours,
even although the sun be shining full upon them. Flowering season, June
to August. Native country, Mexico, on slopes of limestone hills.
Although long since known to botanists, this pretty species has only
lately found its way into English gardens. It is attractive even when
not in flower. It requires warm greenhouse treatment, with exposure to
full sunshine; during late autumn it should have plenty of air to ripen
the new growth made whilst flowering. In winter it should have a dry
position near the glass.
[Illustration: FIG. 67. MAMILLARIA PECTINATA.]
M. phellosperma (corky-seeded).--A pretty plant, resembling M. Grahami
in all points except the seed, which, as is denoted by the name, is half
enveloped in a corky covering, suggesting acorns. Stems simple,
sometimes proliferous at the base, globose when young, afterwards almost
cylinder or pear-shaped, 5 in. high, 2 in. in diameter; tubercles ½ in.
long, arranged in twelve spiral rows, slightly woolly in axils. Spines
radiating, in two rows, about fifty on each tubercle, the three or four
central ones being hooked at the tips or sometimes straight; length,
½ in. to 1½ in. Flowers (only seen in the dried state) 1 in. long and wide.
Native of the dry gravelly hills and sand ridges in California and
Colorado, and, therefore, requiring greenhouse treatment. This plant is
cultivated in the Kew collection, but it has not been known to flower
there. It is one of the most ornamental of the very spinous species, the
radial spines being almost white, whilst the central ones are black, and
look like tiny fish-hooks. A large proportion of these Mamillarias are
far more interesting in the form and arrangement of their tubercles and
spines than in any floral character, and it is on this account that so
many which are insignificant as flowering plants are included here.
M. pulchra (handsome).--Stem globose when young and cylindrical when
old, flattened at the top; height from 4 in. to 6 in.; tubercles large,
egg-shaped, arranged in from eleven to thirteen spiral rows; spines in
compact tufts, their bases set in whitish wool, irregular in length, and
almost covering the whole of the stem. Flowers medium in size, developed
near the top of the stem from the woolly axils of the tubercles; colour
bright rose. Native of Mexico. Flowering season, June. Introduced in
1826. A rare kind nowadays, though one of the prettiest. It should
always be grown in a warm house. It has been also called M. pulcherrima.
M. pusilla (small).--A tiny tufted plant, belonging to the group known
as Thimble Cactuses. It has stems 2 in. high; short, dark green
tubercles, with tufts of whitish wool in the axils; spines thin and
bristle-like, twisted, nearly 1 in. long, almost hiding the stem; they
are whitish, with black tips. The flowers are yellowish-white, with
streaks of red. Common in Mexico. Flowering season, May. It should be
grown in a frame in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a warm
greenhouse. It would, no doubt, thrive in a window if kept in a sunny
position and placed under a glass shade. A variety known as texana
differs in being more densely clothed with spines. We have seen it grown
into large clumps, covering a space 1 ft. in diameter, with dozens of
erect little pyramids of whitish spines.
M. pycnacantha (densely spined); Bot. Mag. 3972.--The name for this
kind is rather misleading, the spines being both fewer and less
conspicuous than in many other species of Mamillaria. Stem about 6 in.
high, nearly globose; tubercles--rather large, swollen, with tufts of
short white wool in their axils, and stellate clusters of spines
springing from disks of white wool on the top. The spines are ½ in. long,
slightly recurved, flattened, and pale brown. Flowers large, clustered
on the top of the stem, about half a dozen opening together; width 2 in.;
petals numerous, narrow, toothed at the tips, spreading; colour a deep
sulphur-yellow, anthers orange. Native of Oaxaca, Mexico. Flowering
season, July. Introduced 1840. This is a beautiful flowering plant, more
like an Echinocactus than a Mamillaria. It should be grown in a warm
greenhouse all the year round. Old stems develop offsets from the base,
by which the species may be multiplied.
M. sanguinea (bloody); Fig. 68.--This is closely related to M. bicolor,
but differs in having an unbranched stem and numerous richly-coloured
flowers. The stem is stout, 6 in. high, and 4 in. through; tubercles
crowded, short, bearing stellate tufts of shortish spines, and
projecting longer ones, all being bristly and pale yellow, except those
on the youngest tubercles, which are golden. The flowers are borne in a
crowded circle on the top of the stem, just outside the cluster of young
yellow spines, a strong plant having about forty flowers open together.
Each flower is about ½ in. long and wide, and coloured bright crimson,
with yellow anthers. Native of Mexico. Flowers in June. It should be
grown along with M. bicolor. The plant figured is a young one, showing
the spines much longer than is usual on mature specimens.
[Illustration: FIG. 68. MAMILLARIA SANGUINEA.]
M. Scheerii (Scheer's).--Stem 7 in. high, and 5 in. in diameter at the
base; tubercles large, swollen, somewhat flattened, pale green, watery,
woolly in the axils, the tops crowned with about a dozen brown spines,
1 in. long, one central, the others radial. Flowers terminal, erect, with
several whorls of spreading, recurved petals, the lower ones tinged with
crimson, the upper pale yellow, and forming a shallow cup, 2 in. across;
anthers forming a compact sheaf in the centre. Flowers in summer. This
distinct and very pretty species was introduced many years ago from
Mexico, where it was discovered in 1845 by a Mr. Potts, to whose love
for these plants we are indebted for a great many choice kinds collected
and sent to England by him. It grows naturally in a red, sandy loam, and
under cultivation requires warm-house treatment, except during the
autumn, when it may be placed in a frame and exposed to full sunshine
and plenty of air.
M. Schelhasii (Schelhas').--A pretty little tufted kind, its habit and
size being shown in Fig. 69. The stem produces offsets freely at the
base, which grow into full-sized stems, and develop young ones, till a
compact cushion is formed. Tubercles closely arranged, cylindrical,
shining green, with fifteen to twenty radial, white, hair-like spines,
½ in. long, and three inner ones, which are thicker, purplish in colour,
usually only one being hooked. Flowers white, with a line of rose down
the middle of each petal, ¾ in. across. Flowering season, beginning of
summer. Native of Mexico. It may be grown out of doors in a sunny
position in summer, and wintered on a shelf in a greenhouse.
[Illustration: FIG. 69. MAMILLARIA SCHELHASII.]
M. Schiedeana (Schiede's).--Stem globose, 3 in. to 5 in. high, thickly
clothed with long, narrow, pointed tubercles, the bases of which are set
in white wool, whilst the apices are crowned with tiny stars of white
silky spines; more like the pappus of a Composite than the spines
usually found on Cactuses. A healthy plant has a very pretty and silky
appearance which cannot well be described. The flowers are small and
unattractive; they are succeeded by the red fruits, which remain on the
plant a long time, and add to its beauty. Native country, Mexico.
Introduced 1838. Should be grown in a greenhouse where frost is
excluded, and where there is plenty of sunlight at all times. It is
easily increased, either from seeds or by means of the offsets developed
at the base of old stems.
M. semperviva (ever-living); Fig. 70.--Stem pear-shaped, 3 in. wide, the
top slightly depressed. Tubercles conical, ¼ in. long, their bases set in
a cushion of white wool, their tips bearing tiny tufts of wool, and four
small spines, which fall away on the tubercles becoming ripe, leaving
two short, diverging, central spines. Flowers small, not ornamental, and
scantily developed near the outside of the top. Native of Mexico; in
meadows and thickets near Zimapan, at 5000 ft. elevation. It thrives with
us when grown in a frame in summer, and wintered in a cool greenhouse or
frame.
[Illustration: FIG. 70. MAMILLARIA SEMPERVIVA.]
M. senilis (hoary).--Stem about 3 in. high, spherical, unbranched,
except when very old, when it becomes proliferous at the base; tubercles
crowded, small, arranged spirally, and crowned with clusters of long,
radiating spines, which are almost white, hair-like, and become thickly
interwoven, as in the Old Man Cactus (Pilocereus senilis). The central
spine is black, and hooked at the tip. Flowers on the top of the stem,
near the centre; the petals toothed, spreading, and forming a deep cup,
with a cluster of tall stamens standing erect in the middle; colour
bright scarlet. The flowers, which appear in summer, remain open about
eight hours. Native country unknown; cultivated in France in 1845. This
plant is difficult to preserve in health, the best method being that of
grafting it on to a short Cereus, or a robust kind of Mamillaria, such
as M. cirrhifera. It is a pretty plant at all times, even when dead, for
we have seen plants of it preserve the appearance of live specimens long
after they have rotted and dried up in the centre, nothing remaining but
the shell formed by the skin and silvery spines. There is a close
resemblance between this species and M. Grahami.
M. stella-aurata (golden star).--This little plant obtains its name
from the rich golden-yellow of its stellate clusters of spines, which
are arranged thickly on the tips of the small, pointed tubercles. It
belongs to the group called Thimble Cactuses, of which it is one of the
prettiest. The stems are tufted, branching freely at the base, and
rising to a height of about 2 in. Flowers small, whitish, and much less
ornamental than the berry-like fruits which succeed them, and which are
egg-shaped, ½ in. long, and a deep rose-colour. M. tenuis is a variety of
this, with almost white spines. Native of Mexico. Introduced 1835. May
be cultivated under a bell-glass in a room window, the only danger being
damp during winter, which must be carefully avoided.
M. sub-polyhedra (usually many-sided); Fig. 71.--Stem simple till it
becomes old, when it develops offsets at the base, broadly cylindrical,
8 in. high, 5 in. in diameter. Tubercles four-sided at base, prism-shaped,
bearing pads of white wool in the corners at the base, and crowned with
tufts of from four to seven spines, usually all radial, sometimes one
central. The flowers, which usually appear in May, are arranged in a
zone on the top of the old stems; sepals greenish-yellow, petals bright
red. Fruit 1 in. long, pear-shaped, scarlet. Native of South Mexico, at
high elevations. It may be grown outside in summer, and wintered in a
heated greenhouse or frame. This is a singular-looking plant, the
tubercles having an appearance suggestive of carving. It is a slow
grower, and requires careful attention in winter, when sometimes the
roots all perish and the base of the stem rots.
[Illustration: FIG. 71. MAMILLARIA SUB-POLYHEDRA.]
M. sulcolanata (woolly-grooved); Fig. 72.--Stem simple when young,
proliferous at the sides when old, the young plants developing from the
apices of the tubercles, and not in the axils, as is usual. The
tubercles are nut-shaped, large, the bases surrounded by white wool, the
points bearing eight to ten rigid, brown spines, all radiating from a
little pad of wool. Flowers large, nearly 2 in. across, bright yellow,
poppy-scented, the spread of the petals suggesting Paris Daisies; they
are freely developed on the apex of the stem in June, and on till
August. Fruit egg-shaped, glaucous-green. Native country, South Mexico;
introduced 1836. This charming little plant should be grown in a frame
exposed to full sunshine all summer, and removed to a shelf in a warm
greenhouse in winter. With such treatment it grows and flowers freely.
Grafted on to a Cereus or Opuntia it is healthier than when on its own
roots.
[Illustration: FIG. 72. MAMILLARIA SULCOLANATA.]
M. tetracantha (four-spined); Bot. Mag. 4060.--Stem the size and shape
of an ostrich's egg, thickly studded with small, conical tubercles,
woolly at the base, the apices bearing each four spreading spines, ¾ in.
long, rather stout, straight, brown when young, becoming almost white
with age. Flowers numerous, small, arranged as in M. sanguinea, to which
and M. cirrhifera this species is closely related. They are bright rose
in colour, with orange-yellow anthers, and are developed in July. Native
of Mexico. Requires the same treatment as M. cirrhifera.
M. tuberculosa (tubercled).--This is a very pretty and distinct plant,
of recent introduction, and easily cultivated. It has a central stem,
6 in. high by 2 in. in diameter, conical in shape, and surrounded at the
base by globose branches or offsets. The tubercles are closely set in
numerous spiral rows, and are ½ in. long, rather narrow, pointed, with a
crown of radial spines, very slender, hair-like, white, and ½ in. long;
central spines three or four, ½ in. long. At the base of each tubercle is
a pea-like tuft of white wool. In this kind the spines fall from the old
tubercles, which are persistent, gradually hardening to a cork-like
substance. The flowers are produced in the apex of the stem, and are
1 in. long and wide, daisy-like, pale purple in colour; they are
succeeded by red, oval berries, which are as pretty as the flowers.
About five flowers are developed on each stem annually--May and June.
Native of Mexico, in the mountains. It thrives when grown in an ordinary
greenhouse, on a shelf, in full sunshine.
M. turbinata (top-shaped); Bot. Mag. 3984.--Stem globose, depressed at
top, about 3 in. in diameter, pale glaucous-green; tubercles
quadrangular, flattened at the apex, and bearing, when young, from three
to five erect, slender, hair-like spines, which fall off soon after the
tubercles ripen, exposing little depressions or umbilica, and giving the
stem a bald, pudding-like appearance, quite distinct from any other
kind. Flowers from the centre of the stem, short, about 1 in. across,
pale yellow, with a reddish tint outside; anthers yellow. Two or three
flowers are usually expanded together in the month of June. Native
country, Mexico.
M. uncinata (hooked).--Stem globose, simple, about 4 in. in diameter;
tubercles closely pressed against each other at the base, where they are
four-angled; in length they are ¼ in., and they are blue-green in colour.
Apex bearing four short spines, arranged crosswise, and ¼ in. long;
central spine slightly longer, yellow, and hooked. The flowers are 1 in.
long and wide, erect, the tube hidden by the young mammae, amongst
which they appear in May and June; they are purple in colour, a line of
deeper tint running down the middle of each petal. Like all the kinds
with short, angular tubercles, this species is easily managed, flowers
freely and profusely, and always ripens seeds. Native of Mexico. It may
be grown in a frame, or even out of doors, all through the summer,
removing it to a greenhouse for the winter.
M. vetula (old).--One of the small Thimble Cactuses, its stems seldom
exceeding 3 in. in height by 1½ in. in diameter. Tubercles ¼ in. long,
conical, with a radial crown of fine, hair-like yellow spines, ¼ in.
long, and a solitary central spine, ½ in. in length, and coloured red.
Flowers terminal, just peeping above the tubercles; sepals and petals
acute, yellow, ¾ in. long; anthers yellow; stigma white. An old garden
plant, introduced from Mexico. It flowers in May and June. For its
cultivation it may be treated as recommended for M. pusilla.
M. villifera (hair-bearing).--Stem similar to the last, but usually
proliferous at the base; tubercles angular, short, woolly in the axils,
and bearing four rigid, short, reddish-brown spines on the apex. Flowers
pale rose, with a line of purple down the middle of each petal; they are
developed near the top of the stem, in May. Native country, Mexico. This
plant thrives if treated as recommended for M. pusilla. There are
several varieties known, distinguished by their paler or darker flowers,
or by a difference in the length and arrangement of the spines.
M. viridis (green).--Stem 4 in. high by 3 in. in diameter, proliferous at
the base; tubercles short, four-angled, crowded in spiral rows, woolly
at the base, bearing each five or six radiating hair-like spines on the
apex, and one central erect one, none more than ¼ in. long. Flowers
erect, on top of stem, with recurved, pale yellow petals, 1 in., long;
they are produced in May and June. Introduced from Mexico in 1850. It
may be grown in a sunny frame out of doors during summer, and on a dry,
warm greenhouse shelf in winter.
M. vivipara (stem--sprouting).--A tufted, free-growing Thimble Cactus,
producing its small stems in such profusion as to form a cluster as much
as 3 ft. in diameter. The small tubercles are hidden by the numerous
radial spines, which are in clusters of about twenty; they are white,
hair-like, stiff and ½ in. long; the central spines, numbering from four
to six, are a little longer. Flowers from apex of stem, 1½ in. long and
wide, and composed of about thirty fimbriated sepals and twenty-five to
forty narrow petals; colour bright purple. Fruit ½ in. long, pale green
when ripe. The flowers, which appear in May and June, usually expand
after mid-day. Native of Louisiana. In the North-West plains and Rocky
Mountains of North America this plant is abundant, often forming wide
cushion-like tufts, which, when covered with numerous purple, star-like
flowers, have a pretty effect. In Utah and New York it is commonly
cultivated as a hardy garden plant, bearing exposure to keen frosts and
snow without suffering; but it would not thrive out of doors in winter
with us, unless covered by a handlight during severe weather, and
protected from heavy rains in winter. It likes a strong, clayey soil.
M. v. radiosa (Fig. 73).--This variety is distinguished by its larger
flowers and shorter spines.
[Illustration: FIG. 73. MAMILLARIA VIVIPARA RADIOSA.]
M. Wildiana (Wild's).--An old garden Cactus, and one of the prettiest
of the tufted, small-stemmed kinds. Its largest stems are 3 in. high by
about 1½ in. in diameter, and bear spiral rows of clavate, dark green,
crystallised tubercles, ½ in. long, with about ten radial white spines,
½ in. long, the three upper spines, together with the solitary central
hooked one, being yellow. Flowers small, numerous on the apices of the
stems, rose-coloured, lined with purple; they are developed in summer.
This also forms dense tufts of stems. A specimen at Kew, only a few
years old, has already over thirty heads. It is a native of Mexico, at
an altitude of 5000 ft., growing on lava and basalt, and even on the
trunks of trees. For its cultivation, a shelf in a sunny greenhouse is a
most suitable position, both in winter and summer. Introduced 1835.
M. Wrightii (Wright's).--This is a charming little plant, of something
the same character as M. dolichocentra. It has not long been cultivated
in gardens, but being easy to manage, and exceptionally pretty, it is
sure to become a favourite as it gets known. Stem rounded above,
narrowed and peg-top-like at the base, the top flattened, about 3 in.
across, height about the same. Tubercles conical, ½ in. long, shining
green, and bearing a tuft of six or eight spines, which are straight,
hair-like, white, and ½ in. long; there are two central spines, of same
length, and hooked. Flowers in the top of the stem, 1 in. long and wide,
bright purple; they are succeeded by egg-shaped, purple berries, 1 in.
long, and prettily arranged among the tubercles. In England a warm house
seems most suitable for this species. It likes plenty of moisture and
sunlight during the summer, whilst making new growth; but in winter,
when at rest, it ought to be kept on a shelf, and just moistened
overhead in bright weather. There are healthy examples of it at Kew.
Flowering season, May and June. Native country, Mexico. Introduced about
1878.
M. Zucchariniana (Zuccharini's).--Stem simple, globose, often attaining
a height of 10 in. by about 7 in. in diameter. Tubercles dark green,
conical, 1/3 in. long, ½ in. broad at base, naked at the point, but with
four to six spines springing from the areole a little below the point;
spines ash-coloured, stiff, black-tipped. Flowers in a ring about the
top of the stem, length 1 in., the tube enveloped in long, black, twisted
hairs; sepals brown-purple; petals narrow, sharp-pointed, purple-rose
coloured; stamens white and yellow; stigma rose-coloured. Flowers in
June and July. Native of Mexico. A large, handsome-stemmed kind, easily
kept in health, and flowering freely if grown on a shelf in a cool
greenhouse in winter, and placed in a warm, sunny position out of doors
in summer. It produces seeds freely, and pretty plants, 3 in. or more in
diameter, may be obtained in two years from seeds. By grafting it, when
young, on the stem of a Cereus or cylindrical Opuntia, a healthy,
drumstick-like plant is easily obtained.