Mammillaria rhodantha var. rubrum Seeds
Rainbow Pincushion
Mammillaria is arguably the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Mammillarias have extremely variable spination from species to species, and eye-catching flowers, making them specifically attractive for cactus hobbyists. Most Mammillaria plants are considered easy to cultivate. The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the Cactaceae family, with currently over 200 known species and varieties recognized. Mammillarias are native to Mexico, southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. The first was described by Carolus Linnaeus as Cactus mammillaris in 1753, deriving its name from Latin mammilla, "nipple", referring to the tubercles that are one of the plant's specific features. In 1812, the cactus specialist Adrian Haworth described the genus Mammillaria to contain this and related species. Numerous species are commonly known as nipple cactus, fishhook cactus or pincushion though such terms may also be used for related taxa such as Escobaria. Mammillaria species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda or windowsill. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden. The variation in spines is a novel selling feature and often, these plants fit the stereotypical expectations that most people have for a cactus plant, although some species are only going to be found among highly-dedicated cactus growers. The popularity of this genus has led to a good deal of study and consequent literature on both growing and identifying Mammillaria species. Mammillaria rhodantha, more commonly known as the Rainbow Pincushion, was first described by Link & Otto in 1829. Synonyms include Mammillaria droegeana, Mammillaria fuscata, Mammillaria rhodantha var. droegeana, Mammillaria calacantha, Mammillaria pringlei, Mammillaria bonavitii, Cactus rhodanthus and Neomammillaria rhodantha. This species can be solitary or grow in clumps. The globose to cylindrical stems are dark green in colour and grow up to 30 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. The purple to red flowers occur from spring, right through summer and into autumn. This species can endure temperatures of down to -4°C. Mammillaria rhodantha var. rubrum is a red spined variety of Mammillaria rhodantha.
