Mammillaria herrerae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mammillaria herrerae | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactoideae |
| Genus: | Mammillaria |
| Species: | M. herrerae |
| Binomial name | |
| Mammillaria herrerae | |
Mammillaria herrerae is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to Mexico where it is confined to Querétaro. It thrives in a semi-desert shrubland habitat. Common name is golf ball cactus.[2] It is threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection.[3][4] In a 20-year period over 95% of the species population was illegally collected or sold.[1] Mammillaria herrerae has an IUCN rating of critically endangered.[1] Due to its specific growing conditions, there is a challenge in propagating.[2] Many studies are being done to determine best growing conditions, through related species.[5]
Mammillaria herrerae thrives in terrestrial, shrubland, rocky, desert areas.[1] Specific conditions for growing and propagating include:[2]
- Open mineral potting soil
- Perfect drainage
- Repotting every 2–3 years
- Full exposure to sun
- Ventilation
- Water and frost sensitive
- No watering during the winter season,
- Scarcely watering during growing season
- Fertilizer needs to be high in potassium and phosphorus but low in nitrogen
Causes of threatened status
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Limited environmental conditions: M. herrerae does not always get the care and attention needed due to its very specific growing conditions.[6]
Illegal collection: As M. herrerae becomes an endangered and scares species, it becomes more valuable and incites collection for trade.[3][4] Oftentimes traders sell these endangered species for a high value and load up truck loads of them to get the most economic gain.[3]
Habitat destruction: has been one major cause to loss of biodiversity. The land where these species grow gets destroyed and used for agriculture, grazing purposes, and residential development.[3][1]
