Accepted Scientific Name: Mammillaria longimamma DC.
Mém. Mus. Hist. Nat. 17: 113. 1828

Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Origin and Habitat: Garden origin.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Mammillaria longimamma
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Mammillaria longimamma DC.Mém. Mus. Hist. Nat. 17: 113. 1828Synonymy: 24
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Description: This is a very nice crested Mammillaria, easily recognizable for its long soft fresh green tubercle.
Stem: Very fat (quite large for a crested plant ( 8 to 10 cm thick) it can form in age a large convoluted mound.
Spines: 8 to 10 all quite similar in shape, thin, needle like, yellow to amber coloured up to 20 mm long, of which one central spine slightly longer (up to 25 mm long)
Flowers: Very large for this genus, 4-6 cm. long, 4.5-6 cm. wide with bright yellow petals in May-July.
Remarks: The cause of cresting is not fully explained. Biologists disagree as to why some plants grow in this unusual form. Some speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of a strike of lightning or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the growth point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line, which folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested M. longimamma are very rare, cresting occurs naturally, and can be encountered in many other cactus species.
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Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Mammillaria longimamma group
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Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Cactus Art
Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Cactus Art
Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Mammillaria longimamma f. cristata Photo by: Valentino VallicelliSend a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: The grafted plants are easy to grow and will form a large brain-like mounds with age. Watering during the active growing season (spring and summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent the large tubercles from becoming flabby.
The plants on their own roots has fairly large tuberose roots, and should be kept in a deep pot with a very draining mineral substrate. But be particularly careful with watering, which all thick rooted species require (rot sensitive). Keep dry during the winter rest, when the plant may pull near the surface of the potting mix.
Propagation: Grafting or stem cutting.