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Mammillaria geminispina

Twin-spined Cactus

Plant photo of: Mammillaria geminispina
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Information by: chicagobotanic.org        Photographer:

 

Description

Silvery white spines cover whitey cactus (Mammillaria geminispina), a mounding cactus from Mexico, throughout the year. Brilliant hot pink flowers are produced in a ring around the apical meristem (growing point) from late spring through fall, attracting various pollinating insects, while the spines deter predation by herbivores. The small pinkish red fruit are often present at the same time as the flowers, if pollinators are present. It does best in full sun with dry, well draining soil. Established plants are drought tolerant. May take 7-8 years before blooms appear.

 

Plant Type

Cactus

Height Range

1-3'

Width Range

Flower Color

Pink

Flower Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Leaf Color

White

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Pink

Fruit Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Raised Planter, Roadside

Special Uses

Container, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.

Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers