Coryphantha ramillosa (Bunched Cory Cactus)

Scientific Name

Coryphantha ramillosa Cutak

Common Name(s)

Bunched Cory Cactus, Big Bend Cory Cactus, Big Bend Mammillaria, Whiskerbush, Whiskerbush Pincushion Cactus

Synonym(s)

Coryphantha ramillosa subsp. ramillosa, Mammillaria ramillosa

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Coryphantha

Description

Coryphantha ramillosa is a small cactus with a usually solitary, hemispheric or more or less flat-topped stem or sometimes branching to form a cluster of up to 25 stems. The stems grow up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) tall and up to 3.8 inches (9.5 cm) long. They are textured with protruding, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) tall areoles that bear curving spines. The central spine is thick, dark, and up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long. The smaller radial spines are light in color, often white. The showy flowers are up to 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long and appear in summer at the apex of the body. Its tepals are pink, lightening to pale pink or white near the center, and sometimes have darker mid stripes. The rounded fruits are fleshy, juicy, pale to dark green, and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.

Coryphantha ramillosa (Bunched Cory Cactus) — *Photo via tucson-gardener.com*

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow Coryphanthas without too much trouble. They love to be in a very bright exposure, but generally not to direct light of the sun. The risk, especially during the summer hottest hours of the day, is to get sunburned.

The average winter minimum temperature, in general, should not fall below 40 °F (5 °C), unless individual exceptions. Adult plants (at least two years of age) can withstand very intense frosts, but only if the temperature rises quickly. To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and suspend watering.

Allow the soil to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly. Immaculate drainage is essential, so never let the pots sit in water. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally.

These cacti are very susceptible to rot and therefore require well-drained soil. Use a potting mix that is labeled for cacti or succulents.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Coryphantha.

Origin

This species is native to the border region between Texas in the United States and Coahuila in Mexico.