Species Description – Result

Mammillaria mystax

First description by Martius, Nov. Act. Nat. Cur. 16(1): 332 (1832)
Body: Plants solitary. Stems globose to cylindrical, dark gray-green, to 15 cm (5.9 in) high, 7 – 10 cm (2.8 – 3.9 in) in diameter.
Roots:
Sap: With latex.
Tubercule arrangement: 13 – 21
Tubercule: Firm, pyramidal, four- to six-angled, keeled.
Axil: With bristles.
Radial spine: 3 – 10, spreading, white, 4 – 8 mm (to 0.3 in) long.
Central spine: 3 – 4, sometimes 1, variable in number and colour, stout, twisted, interwoven, purplish with dark brown tips, one or more centrally placed and to 70 mm (2.8 in) long, others 20 – 70 mm (0.8 – 2.8 in) long
Flower: Rose purple with brownish midveins, to 25 mm (1 in) long.
Fruit: Club shaped, red, 20 – 25 mm (0.8 – 1 in) long.
Seed: Brown.
Flowering period in Cultivation (Europe):
Minimum temperature: -2? C.
Habitat Substrate:
Geographic Distribution: Widespread in central Mexico, centering in Puebla and adjacent states. Altitude 1.000 – 2.600 m.
Comments: This species will form large spheres, cylinders and with age can offset to form loose clumps. Easily grown with no special requirements.
Bibliography:
John Pilbeam (1999) – Mammillaria The Cactus File Handbook – page 200.

Edward F. Anderson (2001) – The Cactus Family – page 433.
Synonymes:
M. atroflorens

M. casoi

M. crispiseta

M. erythra

M. huajuapensis

M. mixtecensis

M. multiseta sensu Reppenhagen