little candles
Mammillaria prolifera (Mill.) Haw.
Mammillaria prolifera, known as little candles, is a cactus species in the Cactaceae family. It is native to North America and has a broad distribution, including the Galápagos Islands, Brazil, Taiwan, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, northeastern Mexico, Texas, and the Archipiélago de Cuba. The species is recognized for its three subspecies: M. prolifera subsp. prolifera, M. prolifera subsp. arachnoidea (found in Mexico), and M. prolifera subsp. texana. These subspecies vary in size, spine count and color, and flower shape and color. The plant typically forms small, dense clusters of round or slightly elongated stems, with flowers often appearing alongside fruit.
Description
Mammillaria prolifera was first described in 1812 and is known by several common names, including Texas nipple-cactus, West Indian nipple-cactus, grape cactus, and hair-covered cactus. It is a widely cultivated and popular species within the genus Mammillaria. The plant's characteristics include clustered stems and the simultaneous appearance of flowers and fruit. Its subspecies exhibit distinct morphological differences, making them identifiable based on regional variations.
Other common names
Texas Nipple CactusWest Indian Nipple-cactuslittle candlessilver cluster cactus
Distribution
Galápagos Islands · BR · Global · TW · Cuba · Dominican Republic · Haiti · Mexico Northeast · Texas · Archipiélago de Cuba
Synonyms
Mammillaria stellarisMammillaria glomerataCactus glomeratusCactus griseusCactus mammillaris var. proliferCactus proliferusCactus stellarisCactus stellatusChilita proliferaEbnerella proliferaEscobariopsis proliferaMammillaria prolifera subsp. haitiensisMammillaria pusilla var. haitiensisMammillaria prolifera var. proliferaMammillaria griseaNeomammillaria proliferaMammillaria pusillaEscobariopsis prolifera subsp. haitiensisMammillaria prolifera f. haitiensisMammillaria pusilla f. majorMammillaria pusilla var. majorNeomammillaria prolifera var. haitiensis
