Mammillaria saboae ssp. haudeana
(Syn: Mammillaria haudeana)

Mammillaria saboae ssp.  haudeana will form mats of small soft bodied stems.
 

Morphology (Identifying Characteristics): Mammillaria saboae is a low clustering geophyte, mat-forming succulent.
Stem: Tiny round, soft-bodied, 10-20 mm in diameter, 20-40 mm tall.  axils bare, without latex.
Axil: Naked.
Roots: Fleshy branching.
Radial spine: 18 - 27, glassy white with a yellow base, thin, a little curved, 2 to 6 mm long.
Central spine: Absent.
Flowers: Large 4-6,5 cm in diameter dark lilac-pink to pinkish magenta, larger and deeper coloured than the type, stigmas yellowish, in May. It has a reputation of being shy to flower, at least when on its own roots.
Fruit: The fruits mature inside the plant and remain for years  sunken into the stems, as in the type.

• The subspecies 'saboae' grows in clumps and has 17-25 radial spines per areole. The flowers are about 4-5 cm across.

• The subspecies 'goldii' grows only solitary stems and has 34-45 radial spines per areole. The flowers are about 4-5 cm across.

• The subspecies 'haudeana' grows larger than the other subspecies up to 4 cm  high, about twice the size of the type.and grows in clumps. It has 18-27 radial spines per areole and large flowers  5-6 cm across.
   

Cultivation: It is not really easy. Have thick tuberous root system and are susceptible to over-watering and is especially prone to rot, therefore, underpot in a  shallow pot whit good drainage, filled with a very open mineral-based potting mix. They need to be kept dry in winter.
Initially this species appears easy in cultivation, but the grower should not be surprised if clumps suddenly dry up, especially in the winter season. Hardy to -5°C.
Damageable by excessive sunlight prefers light shade. Sometimes are grafted to avoid root rot problems.

Propagation: Seeds , offsets or graft. Seeds can be sown in the spring or summer. The seedlings should not be disturbed until they are well rooted after which they can be planted separately in small pots.

Pests & diseases: Very sensitive to red spider mite. Some growers recommend preventive treatment, but overhead watering is also helpful in controlling mites.

• Mammillaria haudeana. Lau & Wagner
  Published in: Kakt. and Sukk. 29(11): 250 (1978)
• Mammillaria saboae Glass 1966

Distribution: Sonora: Yecora, Mexico. Altitude 1.500 to 2.000 m.

Habitat: Grows on volcanic slabs of rock. In habitat, they contract considerably in the dry season, sometimes pulling down completely under the soil. Their flowers can push up through the dirt.

The fruits mature inside the plant.