Cochemiea HUTCHISONIANA - Hutchison's cochemiea, Mammillaria hutchisoniana, Mammillaria.
Cochemiea is a genus of plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising about 25 species growing in Mexico and the southern regions of the USA.
The genus is represented by plants with cylindrical, often solitary or branching stems covered with areoles bearing spines. Leaves are reduced to small tubercles. Stems can reach various sizes depending on the species.
Flowering occurs in spring and summer. Flowers are funnel-shaped, symmetrical, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter, located at the top of the stem. Flower coloration varies from bright pink to red. After flowering, berry-like fruits containing small black seeds are formed.
Hutchison's cochemiea is a columnar cactus with a slender cylindrical stem that can reach significant height with age and branch at the base. The surface is covered with elongated tubercles arranged in spiral rows. Areoles bear numerous slender white radial spines and 1-3 stiffer central ones, often hooked and dark. The overall coloration of the plant is light green, but almost not visible under the dense covering of spines.
Flowering is observed in spring. Flowers are funnel-shaped, large for the genus, bright pink or purple, with a lighter tube and contrasting stamens, arranged in a ring in the apical zone. Fruits are elongated, red, containing small black seeds.