Mammillaria herrerae
Mammillaria herrerae is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to Mexico where it is confined to Querétaro. It thrives in a semi-desert shrubland habitat. Common name is golf ball cactus. It is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection. In a 20-year period over 95% of the species population was illegally collected or sold. Mammillaria herrerae has an IUCN rating of critically endangered. Due to its specific growing conditions, there is a challenge in propagating. Many studies are being done to determine best growing conditions, through related species.
Growing conditions/propagating
Mammillaria herrerae thrives in terrestrial, shrubland, rocky, desert areas. Specific conditions for growing and propagating include:- Open mineral potting soil
- Perfect drainage
- Repotting every 2–3 years
- Full exposure to sun
- Ventilation
- Water and frost sensitive
- No watering during the winter season,
- Scarcely watering during growing season
- Fertilizer needs to be high in potassium and phosphorus but low in nitrogen
Causes of threatened status
Limited environmental conditions: M. herrerae does not always get the care and attention needed due to its very specific growing conditions.Illegal collection: As M. herrerae becomes an endangered and scares species, it becomes more valuable and incites collection for trade. Oftentimes traders sell these endangered species for a high value and load up truck loads of them to get the most economic gain.
Habitat destruction: has been one major cause to loss of biodiversity. The land where these species grow gets destroyed and used for agriculture, grazing purposes, and residential development.