Which Mam?

[Aloenut]

Hi All,

I was given this Mammillaria at my local branch meeting on the weekend. It came without a label.

Using Pilbeam I have narrowed it down to either the short spined form of Mam huitzilipochtii or crucigera:

[attachment 19262 Mam.JPG]

Can anyone confirm which.

Thanks
Aloenut
(Yes, I do have a few cacti!)

[Diane]

Hi Aloenut, yes, they are very similar in appearance, I think I'd be inclined to say M. huitzipochtli, as it might just be producing centrals? A bit early to say, really, at this size, M. crucigera will often start to divide dichotomously, and there is no sign of that on your plant.

[Chris43]

Yes, you are right, Diane, there are short black centrals on a number of the upper areoles, clear when viewed at 200% in the browser. So definitely huitzilopochtlii.

[Tony R]

Yes, Diane. Like Chris, I blew the image up to see the beginnings of black centrals. While I went outside (it's not quite dark yet!) to take a photo (snapshot) of one of my plants, Chris replied to you. Here is the photo anyway - as an adult - one of my favourite mamms.....
[attachment 19271 huitzilopochtlii_140609.jpg]

[Aloenut]

Hi All,

Had a look this morning and there are definately centrals developing with the new growth. Huitz it is.
Thanks for your input.

Aloenut