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Epithelantha micromeris
Epithelantha micromeris (Engelm.) F.A.C. Weber ex Britton & Rose
Pingpong Ball Cactus, Button Cactus
Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Synonym(s): Epithelantha micromeris var. micromeris, Mammillaria micromeris
USDA Symbol: EPMI2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Often clumping, globose stems up to 1 inch in diameter (2.5 cm), occasionally more; small tubercles, 1 mm long; small areoles, slightly woolly when young; 20 or more white spines, 2 mm long, longer on the top. The Button Cactus has 0.2 inch long (5 mm), 0.16 inch wide (4 mm) pale pink flowers that appear in May-Aug at the apex of the plant. They only partly open, as they barely stick out above the wool an spines at the top of the plant. They are followed by thin red fruit, 0.3 to 0.5 inch long.
This cactus grows best in full sun in well draining soil, but it will tolerate light shade.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Cactus/Succulent
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 2 inches tall.
Flower: Flower about 1/2 inch across.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Red , PinkBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: Diurnal.
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: Also Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Conditions Comments: Minimum temperature about 5°F.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesPropagation
Propagation Material: Clump Division , SeedsFrom the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 1140 - Cacti (1991) Clive Innes and Charles GlassSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Epithelantha micromeris in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Epithelantha micromeris in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Epithelantha micromeris
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-14Research By: TWC Staff