Snowball cactus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowball cactus |
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Chilita candida (Scheidw.) Orcutt |
The Mammilloydia is a special type of cactus. It has only one known species called Mammilloydia candida. Most people know it as the snowball cactus because of its fluffy, white look. This unique plant is a favorite among cactus lovers.
About the Snowball Cactus
The snowball cactus, Mammilloydia candida, starts out shaped like a globe. As it gets older, it can grow taller and become more like a cylinder. This cactus can reach about 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide. It can also grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) tall.
Unlike many other cacti, this plant does not have ribs. Instead, it is covered in fine, soft white hair. This hair makes it look like a snowball. The cactus also has many short spines. These spines are usually snow white or light brown. When it blooms, its flowers are either pink or white.
Where the Snowball Cactus Lives
This amazing cactus comes from Mexico. You can find it in several states there. These include Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. It grows naturally in these dry regions.
Its Natural Home
The snowball cactus loves the desert. It grows in places with dry, hot weather. You can often find it among groups of desert shrubs. These are plants that are good at living in very dry conditions.
This cactus prefers to grow in rocky soils. These soils often have a lot of lime, which is a type of mineral. It can be found at high altitudes. Its natural home is usually between 500 and 2,500 meters (about 1,600 to 8,200 feet) above sea level.
