Mammillaria magnimamma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mammillaria magnimamma |
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| Mammillaria magnimamma at the Orto Botanico dell'Università di Genova | |
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Mammillaria
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magnimamma
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The Mammillaria magnimamma, also known as the Mexican pincushion cactus, is a cool plant from the cactus family. It's a type of flowering plant that grows in Mexico. This cactus gets its common name because it looks a bit like a pincushion!
What Does it Look Like?
The Mexican pincushion cactus is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It has a round, globose shape. It can grow to be about 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) tall. It can also be about 13 centimeters (5 inches) wide.
When it's young, it grows by itself. But as it gets older, it forms big groups. These groups rise up from the ground. The cactus has special bumps called tubercules. These tubercles are four-sided. They also have a milky liquid called latex inside. The spaces between the tubercles have soft, white wool.
The cactus has spines that stick out like rays. These are called radial spines. There are usually 2 to 5 of them. They can be different sizes, from 15 to 45 millimeters long. Their tips are often dark.
In the middle of spring, this cactus blooms. Its flowers are pink or creamy white. They have reddish lines down the middle. Each flower is about 20 to 25 millimeters wide. After the flowers, the cactus grows fruits. These fruits are shaped like clubs and are dark red. They are about 20 millimeters long. Inside the fruits, you'll find small brown seeds.
Where Does it Live?
The Mexican pincushion cactus is found all over central Mexico. It grows in places that are high up. You can find it from about 100 meters (330 feet) to 2,700 meters (8,860 feet) above sea level.
Good news for this cactus! It's listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List. This means it's not currently in danger of disappearing.
How to Care for It
If you want to grow a Mexican pincushion cactus, here's what you need to know! It can handle cool temperatures. It can even survive temperatures as low as 1 degree Celsius (34 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you live in a place with warm summers, you can put it outside. But when winter comes, it needs protection. It doesn't like frost or bad weather. This cactus needs soil that drains water well. It also loves lots of sunshine!
This plant is so great that it has won an award. It received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. This award means it's an excellent plant for gardens.
Gallery
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Fruit of Mammillaria magnimamma
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Fruit of Mammillaria magnimamma
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See also
In Spanish: Mammillaria magnimamma para niños
