Mammillaria sonorensis f. variegata

The name of this species comes from the Mexican state of Sonora, in which is detected a high presence of the cactus, accustomed to living along rocky slopes of high mountains. The variegated shape of this cactus presents the typical lighter areas in the exact points where the chlorophyll is absent: these characteristics will never be the same from one plant to another, therefore each exemplar will be absolutely unique and, for this reason, highly sought after by collectors. It is a pleasant plant with a globose stem, slightly depressed at the apex that does not exceed 8 cm in diameter. It is equipped with conical and very protruding tubercles, among which is often present an abundant white fluff, in strong chromatic contrast with the beautiful opaque emerald green of the epidermis. From roundish areolas, rather woolly only during the growth phase, come out radial needle-like thorns of cream colour, arranged like a sunburst, and longer and more robust central spines facing outwards, that take on a reddish hue and tend to stretch even more at the apex of the cactus. The perfectly symmetrical and graceful appearance of M. sonorensis is accentuated in spring with the blossoming of a wonderful fuchsia floral corolla characterized by darker veins on the midline of the petals.