Mammilloydia
| Mammilloydia | |
|---|---|
| File:Mammilloydia candida.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Tribe | Cacteae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Mammilloydia |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). A monotypic genus distinguished by its seed morphology and lack of milky sap. |
Etymology
The name is a portmanteau of Mammillaria and Neolloydia, as the plant shares physical characteristics with both genera.
Description
Mammilloydia is a unique, single-species genus that was historically included in Mammillaria but later separated due to fundamental differences in its internal structure and seeds.
- Stems: Solitary at first, later forming small groups. The body is globose to shortly cylindrical, reaching up to 15 cm in height.
- Spines: This is its most striking feature. Each areole bears a massive number of fine, needle-like spines (up to 50-60). They are typically pure white, sometimes with pinkish or brownish tips, giving the plant a "snowball" appearance.
- Tubercles: Cylindrical and small, they do not produce the milky latex (sap) found in many Mammillarias.
- Flowers: Appear from the axils near the top. They are relatively small and range from pale pink to greenish-white.
- Fruits: Small, globose, and reddish.
Habitat
It grows on limestone soil in the semi-arid regions and high deserts of central Mexico. It is well-adapted to intense sunlight, which is reflected away by its dense white spines.
Distribution
- Mexico: Widely distributed in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas.
Species
Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015), the genus contains only one species:
- Mammilloydia candida (Type species)
Taxonomy
While it looks like a Mammillaria, Buxbaum established the genus based on its black, pitted seeds, which are more similar to those of Neolloydia. Lodé (2015) maintains this separation, supported by molecular data that places it as a distinct lineage within the tribe Cacteae.
