|
Albiflora in Latin means "white flowering".
|
|
Morphology (Identifying
Characteristics):
Habit:
it is a small cactus, usually solitary,
globular or
cylindrical
(clusters of stems can be seen in cultivation)
Stem:
Somewhat
cylindrical, slender,
about 2 cm wide and 5-7
cm high, obscured by the spines.
Stem
and tubercles without
latex. The
axil
is naked.
Spines: 60-80
radial spines (less than in M. herrerae
which has 100 or more),
white, fine and interlacing.
No
central spines.
Roots:
Taproot
Flower: 3,5 cm long and wide, white (rarely with a
pinkish flush when grown in
full sun).
Flowering period (in
Europe): April-May
Fruit:
Whitish,
retained within the spines, but not within the plant
body.
(see:
cryptocarpy)
Seeds: Black.
|
 |
 |
|
Cultivation: This plant
is not famous for being easy to cultivate, but in good conditions
with excellent
ventilation,
it grows without difficulty.
It is especially sensitive to over-watering.
So
careful watering and an open
mineral
potting soil are a must.
Avoid
the use of
peat or other
humus sources in the
potting mixture,
and eventually add some
limestone.
Can be sensitive to frost (but if dry they are resistant to
-5° C). It requires
maximum
sun exposure
to reach its full potential,
and to
achieve success in
flowering.
A winter rest that allows the plant to shrivel (perhaps losing up to
25% of its summer height) will encourage flowering and long time
survival. Be careful to encourage slow growth.
Provide very good
ventilation.
Propagation: Direct sow
after last frost. (it usually doesn't produces offsets).
|
 |
 |
|
|
Cultivation and Mail Sale 
