Friday, January 14, 2011

Mammillaria bombycina--Silken pincushion


What an odd name, Mammillaria. These cactus were named for the tubercles that look like nipple, which are not obvious on this specimen. How ever, this particular species has milky latex, adding even more amusement to the mimicry.

The magenta flowers are beautiful, especially against the woolly furriness that portects the plant from the hot summer sun.

More info about this genus here: http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/SOM/SOM-mammilaria.shtml


Blooming now in the Arid House at the UC Botancial Garden.

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