Mammillaria uncinata


Mammillaria uncinata is a species of cactus in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to Mexico.

Description

Mammillaria uncinata typically grows alone, but can also form clusters. Its flattened, spherical to globular shoots are dark blue-green in color, measuring in height and in diameter. The plant features firm, pyramidal tubercles that are angular at the base and exude a milky sap. The axils of the tubercles are initially covered with wool, which later becomes bare.
The cactus has a central spine that is pinkish-gray to dark purple-brown, with a dark tip, and can be up to long. It also has 3 to 6 radial spines that are straight or slightly curved; the uppermost ones are shorter and stronger. These radial spines are pinkish to grayish-white and measure about in length.
The flowers are yellowish or white with a reddish-brown central stripe. They are long and up to in diameter. The fruits are club-shaped, purple-red, and grow up to long. They contain brown seeds.

Distribution

Mammillaria uncinata is a cactus species native to several Mexican states, including Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, Michoacán, and Jalisco at elevations between.

Taxonomy

This species was first described in 1837 by Ludwig Karl Georg Pfeiffer. The name "uncinata" refers to the shape of its spines, meaning 'hooked' or 'hook-shaped'.