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Mammillaria vetula subsp. gracilis
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Mammillaria gracilis 'Pulchella' |
| Common Name: | Thimble Cactus |
Name
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 | Non-native (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. |
| Fruit | Fruits are red to pinkish white. |
| Cultivation | This species requires well-drained soil. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Stems, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Sucker |
Foliar
| Foliar Modification | Reduced / Needle-like |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | 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) | Red |
|---|
Image Repository
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. |
