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Glite Dictionary
Mammillaria

Mammillaria

9.9
A small round cactus with nipple-like bumps and tiny flowers
  • noun
  • /ˌmæmɪˈlɛriə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Mammillaria

Examples

  • Look at this one right here, Mammillaria elongata, Irish red.

  • The Mammillaria cactus is popular among gardeners for its unique, round shape and colorful blooms.

  • In the desert, the Mammillaria grows in clusters, creating a stunning display of green and yellow.

  • Many people are fascinated by the Mammillaria species because of their distinct nipple-shaped bumps.

Compounds

Mammillaria plumosa
  • Specialized
9.9

A small cactus with soft white feathery spines from northeastern Mexico

Surface Forms

Mammillaria singular
Mammillarias plural

Etymology

Mammillaria comes from the Latin mammilla, a word for 'small breast' or 'nipple', because these cacti have many nipple-shaped bumps. So the name helps you remember they are small, round cacti covered in bumps, and the same root appears in mammal and mammary.