Mammillaria bombycina, the silken pincushion cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae.

Mammillaria bombycina
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Mammillaria
Species:
M. bombycina
Binomial name
Mammillaria bombycina

It is native to Jalisco and Aguascalientes states, in western central Mexico. Because of illegal collecting, the wild population is considered to have a vulnerable status.[1]

It grows to 20 cm (8 in) tall and spreads indefinitely via offsets. The bulbous tubercles, surrounded by downy white hairs, have short white spines and much longer brown curved spines. Circular clusters of deep pink flowers are borne on the upper surface in spring and summer.[2]

Cultivation edit

Mammillaria bombycina is one of many Mamillaria species to be cultivated, and is among the easiest.[3] In temperate regions it must be grown under glass with heat, preferably in full sun. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[4][5] The plant can be grown from seeds which are collected from the ripe fruits.[6]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Fitz Maurice, B.; Fitz Maurice, W.A. (2017). "Mammillaria bombycina". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T151196A121503778. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T151196A121503778.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 978-1405332965.
  3. ^ "Cactus Art - Mammillaria bombycina". Retrieved 26 June 2013.
  4. ^ "RHS Plant Selector - Mammillaria bombycina". Retrieved 3 January 2021.
  5. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 63. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  6. ^ "Silken Pincusion Mammillaria bombycina". Dave's Garden. Internet Brands. Retrieved 20 June 2015.