Mammillaria supertexta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mammillaria supertexta |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Mammillaria
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| Species: |
supertexta
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| Synonyms | |
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Mammillaria martinezii Backeb. |
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Mammillaria supertexta is a special kind of cactus. It belongs to a big family of cacti called Cacteae. This unique plant grows naturally in Oaxaca, a beautiful state in Mexico. It's known for its interesting shape and how it survives in tough environments.
Contents
What is Mammillaria supertexta?
Mammillaria supertexta is a small, round cactus. It often grows in groups, forming clumps. Like many cacti, it has spines that protect it. These spines can look like wool or hair, which helps it stand out.
Where Does It Live?
This cactus is native to Oaxaca, Mexico. It prefers rocky areas and dry, sunny places. You can often find it growing on hillsides or in valleys. Its natural home is a warm, dry climate.
What Does It Look Like?
Mammillaria supertexta usually grows as a single ball or in small clusters. It can be up to 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. The cactus body is covered in small bumps called tubercles. Each tubercle has a tiny cluster of spines. These spines are often white or yellowish. Sometimes, it has a woolly appearance, especially near the top.
Flowers and Fruits
When it's time to bloom, this cactus produces small, pretty flowers. These flowers usually appear in a ring around the top of the plant. They can be pink, purple, or white. After the flowers, small, red fruits appear. These fruits often contain tiny seeds.
How Does It Survive in the Desert?
Cacti are amazing at living in dry places. Mammillaria supertexta stores water in its stem, just like a sponge. Its thick skin helps prevent water from evaporating. The spines also help by shading the plant and collecting dew. This allows it to survive long periods without rain.
Why Is It Endangered?
Sadly, Mammillaria supertexta is an endangered plant. This means there are not many of them left in the wild. One reason is that its natural home is being changed by human activities. People sometimes collect these cacti illegally, which also harms their populations. Protecting its habitat is very important to help this special cactus survive.
