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Mammillaria vetula subsp. gracilis
Family Name: | Cactaceae |
Synonyms: | Mammillaria gracilis 'Pulchella' |
Common Name: | Thimble Cactus |
Name
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Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Maximum Height | 13 cm |
Maximum Plant Spread / Crown Width | 1 cm to 3 cm |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Mexico |
Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Desert / Semi-Desert) |
Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
Local Conservation Status | Exotic (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
CITES Protection | True |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | This cactus forms tight clumps of cylindrical stems. |
Foliage | This species lacks leaves. |
Stems | Stems are cylindrical (13 cm long, 1-3 cm wide) with rounded tips. The stem is covered in oval-shaped tubercles (small mound-like projections). Each tubercle bears 11-16 white, stiff radial spines (3-8 mm long) and 0-5 white or dark brown central spines (10-12 mm long). Central spines are stronger than the radial spines and more abundant on mature plants. |
Flowers | Small, light yellow flowers are funnel-shaped (1.2 cm long, 1.2 cm wide). Petals have a pinkish to brownish longitudinal stripe down the middle. |
Fruits | Fruits are red to pinkish white. |
Cultivation | This species requires well-drained soil. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Dry Soils / Drought, Well-Drained Soils |
Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun |
Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
Propagation Method | Sucker |
Foliar
Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 | Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
Flower Location | Terminal |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Individual Flower Shape | Funnelform / Funnel-shaped |
Flower Colour(s) Remarks | Light Yellow |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
Mature Fruit Colour(s) - Angiosperms and Gymnosperms | Red |
Image Repository
Images |
Others
Master ID | 31825 |
Species ID | 6225 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |