Mammillaria

( mam - uh - LAIR - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

​This genus of cacti is mostly native to Mexico, though this varies somewhat by species. These plants are commonly called Globe Cactus, Nipple Cactus, Birthday Cake Cactus, Fishhook Cactus and Pincushion Cactus and most species are endangered, threatened by habitat loss and climate change. Plants in this genus are characterized by a barrel shape and 'nipples' (hence the genus name, Mammillaria) on the surface of the main plant body that are flowering and branching points.

Mammillaria Species and Varietals

The genus Mammillaria includes over 200 distinct species, and is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Mammilaria albicoma
Native to Mexico, this species grows in very hot desert areas, and is considered to be endangered, threatened by habitat loss. These cacti have a fuzzy look to them, due to their thin spines protruding from their nipples.

Mammillaria albiflora
This critically-endangered species of cacti is native to Guanajuato, Mexico. It naturally thrives in hot desert climates, and is threatened by habitat loss. 

Mammillaria albilanata
This species is native to Mexico, and loves hot desert climates. The specific epithet albilanata refers to the soft appearance of the cacti.

Mammillaria anniana​
Native to Tamaulipas, Mexico, this species is considered to be critically endangered, and is threatened most by habitat loss. These cacti prefer hot desert climates.

Mammillaria aureilanata
This species is endemic to Mexico and prefers hot, dry desert climates. This cacti is a member of an endangered species. Flowers produced by this species are commonly light pink to white with darker pink stripes down the center of each petal. Flower centers are yellow.

Mammillaria backebergiana
This species of Cacti is native to Mexico, where it grows on dry cliffs above 1,900 feet in elevation. Flowers are bright pink with white centers, and the body of the plant is green, covered in spined nipples.

Mammillaria barbata 
This cactus is native to Chihuahua, Sonora, and Durango Mexico and is found in mountainous regions. Flowers are delicate and white-pink and fruits that follow are red and oblong to ovular in shape. The berries are edible, but are so small that they are not commonly cultivated as a food source.

Mammillaria baumii
This species of cacti is endemic to Mexico and was named for botanist Hugo Baum.

Mammillaria beneckei (Fishhook Cactus)
​This species of cacti is native to Mexico. Subspecies Mammillaria beneckei variegata has light green to chartreuse and salmon-colored nipples covering the plant.

Mammillaria berkiana
This species is on the verge of extinction thanks to climate change, habitat loss and poaching of wild individuals. It grows naturally in desert regions on cliffsides. It was first discovered by Alfred B. Lau in 1980. In 1994, the population included about 5,000 individual plants, and as of 1999 had fallen to just 100. Flowers produced are pink to purple, and bloom from fall to spring. Flowers stay open for 5-6 days and then fade.

Mammillaria boscana (Powder Puff Cactus, Powder Puff Pincushion)
​​This species is native to northern Mexico, where it is protected from wild collection activities by law. These cacti have white, hair-like spines covering the entire surface of the plant. Flowers are commonly yellow or magenta, depending on the variety. After flowers fade, red cylindrical fruits form on the plant, each containing reddish-brown seeds. These plants produce offsets and can create large mounds.

Hoya multiflora (Hoya celebica)
​​This species is native to China and other tropical areas of Asia, and reaches about 20 inches tall. Leaves are long and leathery, and white flowers have long recurved portions and pink to purple center markings. This species produces an upright growing plant that needs staking.

Hoya obscura
This fast-growing vine is native to the Philippines and has medium-sized green succulent leaves that will take on reddish tones when grown in sunny conditions. This Hoya plant is considered very easy to grow and is commonly sold as an indoor houseplant. In its native habitat, Hoya obscura is epiphytic to semi-epiphytic.

Hoya serpens
This small trailing vine is native to the Himalayas and surrounding areas, and has dark green hairy leaves. Foliage sports random greyish-cream spots. Flowers are green and fuzzy with white and magenta centers. Flowers last for about a week and produce very little nectar compared to other Hoya species. This species was first published in 1883 by Joseph Dalton Hooker. Great in hanging baskets.

Hoya siamica
Native to Indochina, this species produces slender, green leaves and white flowers. This species was discovered by Arthur Francis George Kerr and first published in 1911.

Caring for Microsorum

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Colocasia plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
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For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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