8Q CACTUS CULTURE FOR AMATEURS. 



M. echinus. 



Stem about the size and shape of a heirs -egg, completely hidden 

 under the densely interwoven radial spines, which crown the thirteen 

 spiral rows of tubercles, and are almost white when mature. In 

 addition to these white radiating spines, there is also a stout spike, 

 growing from the centre of the ray. Flowers produced two or three 

 together, on the top of the stem, nearly 2 inches long, cup-shaped, 

 yellow. Native of Mexico, where it grows on limestone hills, in arid 

 localities. Under cultivation it requires a warm greenhouse, exposure 

 to bright sunshine all the year round, with a moderate supply of water 

 in summer, and none in winter. A few large pieces of broken brick 

 or sandstone should be placed about the base of the stem. (Fig. 37.) 



M. elegans. 



A small species. The stem 2 inches high and wide, globose, with 

 small conical tubercles, which, when young, are woolly at the tips. 

 Spines short and slender, about twenty, arranged in a star on each 

 tubercle, with four central ones a little longer, whitish, with brown 

 tips. Native country Mexico, on high exposed hills. Requires 

 greenhouse treatment. 



M. elephantidens. 



Stem globose, depressed, 6 to 8 inches in diameter, bright shining 

 green. Tubercles smooth, round, 1.1 inches long, furrowed, with 

 a dense tuft of white wool at the base, whilst springing from each 

 furrow are eight radiating recurved spines, and three short central 

 ones, all strong, stiff, and ivory-white, tipped with brown. Flowers 

 3 inches wide, composed of a ring of violet- coloured sepals, with 

 white margins, and a second ring of bright rose petals, purple at the 

 base, a line of the same colour extending all down the middle. 

 Stamens numerous, with long purple filaments and yellow anthers. 

 Native of Paraguay. It grows quicker than most Mamillarias, 

 and it flowers freely. A cool greenhouse or sunny frame in summer, 

 plenty of water whilst growth is active, and a light, well-drained soil 

 suit it best ; during winter it must be kept dry, and protected from 

 frost. In a tropical house it is less happy. (Fig. 38.) 



M. elongata. 



Stems in tufts, producing offsets freely from the base, the tallest 

 about the size of a man's thumb. Tubercles short, crowded, and 

 hidden under the star-clusters of reddish-yellow spines. Flowers 

 produced in the axils of the tubercles from all parts of the stem, a 

 large tuft of stems being studded with rings of yellow Daisy-like 

 flowers. Berries bright coral-red, and about the size of date- 

 stones. There are several varieties, under the names of intertexla, 

 rufescens, rutila, subcrocea, and supertexta. All may be grown in a 

 cold frame, or in a window where the sun can shine upon them. 

 Natives of high mountains in Mexico. 



