Tag Archives: mammillaria

survivors

The Pincushion Cactus casualty I found in the driveway the other day had been growing behind the Ocotillo you see in the photo below. I’m amazed the Javelina missed the one you see in front of it because it’s out in the open. Pincushions (Mammillaria) typically grow under the protection of other cactus or shrubs so hungry Javelinas can’t reach them. I may end up having to rescue this one.
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Here’s a close up of this tiny precious survivor.
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I then went for a walk in search of more blooms and within a quarter mile, found this one.
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It was full of bees so it was difficult to leave 🙂
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anticipation

I noticed a full ring of flower buds of this Mammillaria grahamii list night so I got a shot early this morning. In fact, I see more than one ring so we might be in for a spectacular showing! Mammillaria, aka Pincushion Cactus, bloom a couple of times a year so if you miss the Spring showing, look for them in early fall. Actually, I’ve seen them at all times so just keep an eye out if you know where some are!

Mammillaria close to blooming
Mammillaria close to blooming