Mammillaria nigra?

I lately bouhgt this Mammillaria as M. nigra. I couldn't find any pictures of the species and I'm not sure it's good name. It was probably sow about 1997. If someone know this species and could help me?





Thank you for any clue.

Paula

Hi Paula,

There are some mentions on google re m.nigra, also m. coronia nigra. This appears to be a very old name which has since changed. No mentions unfortunately of new name or names. From your photos it would appear your plant is possibly a m. polythele type or m. rhodantha. Sorry can't add more.

Del is right, it probably is M. polyedra.

Mammillaria nigra was a name that Ehrenberg used in Allg. Gartenz 17,287. in 1849. There was, apparently, a very brief description but no type species deposited, so it is difficult to be precise about what the plant actually was. The name somehow carries on with plants in cultivation, but they do appear to be a form of M. polythele.

Ehrenerg lived for a while in Hidalgo, from where both M. polythele and M. rhodantha come, and there are forms of M. polythele with some residual radial spines, and your plant seems to be one of these.

Thank you, it's good to know. I already have a few M. polythele but everyone is different than others. I like them and I'm glad to have another one It is interesting that the name has survived and did not know what it means.

Normally, with reference to cacti, the word nigra refers to the colour of it's central spines. In this case dark black. Unfortunately, not a politically correct word to use these days.

Of course you're right. I suppose there are always people who might feel offended no matter what we actually say. But I think that only people insecure doing this and any neutral hobby should be over divisions. I'm sincerely hope it's not a reason why the name of this Mammillaria disappeared.