Mammillaria mystax
Synonym: Mammillaria atroflorens
Family: Cactaceae​
​Common Name: pincushion cactus
Origin: Mammillaria mystax is common within the southern region of central Mexico, found in Puebla, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. Its natural habitat includes dry deciduous and tropical forests, Quercus forests, and xerophilous highlands at altitudes of 1,000 to 2,600 meters above sea level.
Description: M. mystax is a small globular cactus with as many as 34 rows of pyramidal tubercles, from which purple to gray spines emerge. Axils are bristled and woolen, with long, twisting central spines and spreading, white radial spines. The stem is dark green, and will eventually offset to form small aggregations. When satisfied, plants will develop a ring of magenta flowers from February to April, leading to club-shaped, red fruits.
  • Interesting Features:
    • The spines of the pincushion cactus vary in color and length, with wild forms often entirely hidden by erect central spines.
  • Uses: Although there are no ethnobotanical uses specific to M. mystax, Mammillaria species have been extensively consumed and utilized within western North America. The Apache, Tewa, Gosiute, Navajo, and other tribes have eaten the cactus flesh and fruit, and medicinally Mammillaria species have been used to treat ear-ache and dysentery. Other uses include as a purgative, pulicide, and snake repellant.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Low
    • During the growing season, allow the soil to completely dry in between waterings, but thoroughly soak when irrigating. In the winter, watering should be done sparingly, to avoid root rot.
  • Soil: Plant M. mystax in a porous, well-draining cactus soil, maintaining a pH between 5.0 and 7.0 for the best growth.
  • Lighting: The pincushion cactus requires bright light, with direct sun and afternoon shade if grown outdoors.
  • Propagation: Mammillaria mystax can be propagated through woody stem cuttings, seeds, and offsets, which readily develop from mature plants. Sow seeds after the last frost, and provide adequate moisture to encourage germination.
  • Cold Tolerance: 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11.
  • Special Accommodations: M. mystax should be provided with good airflow to prevent rot, and must be repotted every 2-3 years. During the growing season, feed cacti with a potassium and phosphorus-rich fertilizer to aid growth, but do not include nitrogen, as it causes overly soft succulents. Lastly, always wear gloves when handling, to prevent damage by the sharp spines.

Sources:
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Cacti
  2. Garden
  3. Plant Lust
  4. Garden Tags
  5. Dave's Garden
  6. Altman Plants
  7. Native American Ethnobotany Database
  8. Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases