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(Mammillaria dioica)
Strawberry Cactus (Mammillaria dioica)
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Stickpen
Public domain
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Stickpen
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Public domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Stickpen | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Stickpen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Mammillariadioica1.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{de|1=Dipladenia sanderi}} |Source=Eigenes Werk (own work) |Author=[[User:4028mdk09|4028mdk09]] |Date=2009-09-19 |Permission= |other_versions= }} [[Category:Files by 4028mdk09]] [[Category:Mandevilla sanderi]] |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Mammillaria dioica, commonly known as Strawberry Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to the arid regions of California and Northwestern Mexico, where it thrives in desert environments and chaparral habitats. This plant typically forms a low, rounded shape with firm tubercles tipped with spines. The spines are mostly whitish and straight, with each tubercle featuring a longer, slightly curved central spine that is darker in color. Strawberry Cactus is notable for its ability to produce male, female, and occasionally bisexual flowers on the same plant, a rarity among cacti. Flowering occurs from mid-spring to mid-summer, with blooms that are white to cream and vary in size from 10 to 30 millimeters. The edible fruits are bright red, ovoid, and have a unique flavor reminiscent of strawberries and kiwis. Seeds are small, black, and pitted.
In cultivation, Strawberry Cactus is valued for its drought tolerance and unique fruit, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a container plant. It requires full sun exposure and minimal watering, thriving in well-draining soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should also be cautious of its spines when handling.CC BY-SA 4.0
In cultivation, Strawberry Cactus is valued for its drought tolerance and unique fruit, making it a popular choice for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and as a container plant. It requires full sun exposure and minimal watering, thriving in well-draining soils. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Gardeners should also be cautious of its spines when handling.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Succulent
- Height: 0.15-0.5 feet
- Width: 0.15-0.3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Very Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to desert environments and chaparral in California and Northwestern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: California Fishhook Cactus, Strawberry Pincushion, Fishhook Cactus, Biznaga Llavina
Scientific Names: , Mammillaria dioica, Chilita fordii, Mammillaria dioica var. dioica, Mammillaria fordii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Mammillaria dioica K.Brandegee