With nearly 300 species, the genus Mammillaria is one of the largest of the cactus family and definitely the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Most of the species are native to Mexico, but some species are also found in the Southwestern USA, northern Latin America and the Caribbean. The name Mammillaria is derived from the Latin mammilla meaning “nipple” and refers to the tubercles of the plant, which can be more or less pronounced. They are small to medium size globose plants with some species having a cylindrical shape and grow either solitary or in clumps. Spines may be few or many, long or short, straight or hooked, hair-like or pectinate (comb-like). Small to medium size flowers, which come from the axils and in a wide range of colours. One of the main features of Mammillaria is the symmetrical growth pattern. Looking at the plants from above, you can see the tubercle spirals arranged in series, the so-called “Fibonacci series”. Considering the large number of species, growing conditions depend on individual needs. Provide a well-draining soil combination.
