DaveW wrote: ↑Fri Aug 13, 2021 3:41 pm
For the first. Not sure, is that a normal reversion bottom centre of the first picture? If so get a picture of that for identification.
Hi DaveW, I am unfortunately not sure what you're asking for... Best.
Certainly not M. elongta then. With some of the cristates its hard to identify them unless they put out a normal head or growth known as a reversion, meaning its reverting back to the normal form.
Suggest you cut off the reverted piece and root it - next Spring would be best - and grow it on until it's more easily identified. You should remove it anyway, to keep it from taking dominance over the crested part.
M. parkinsonii and M. gemnispina are both in the same group of Mammillaria's = Leucocephalae
Check the other species in Series XII (Leucocephalae) of this link as well. You really need to compare your plant against a proper botanical description.
When trying to identify plants like Mammillarias it is always handy to check them against similar species in the same group to be certain of your identification.
As Spence says reversions can often grow quicker than the crest if not removed, although they are not always easy to remove.
greenknight wrote: ↑Wed Aug 18, 2021 9:30 pm
Suggest you cut off the reverted piece and root it - next Spring would be best - and grow it on until it's more easily identified. You should remove it anyway, to keep it from taking dominance over the crested part.
DaveW wrote: ↑Thu Aug 19, 2021 8:11 am
When trying to identify plants like Mammillarias it is always handy to check them against similar species in the same group to be certain of your identification.
As Spence says reversions can often grow quicker than the crest if not removed, although they are not always easy to remove.
Hi DaveW,
Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, I really lack the experience and training to attempt this challenge. And the time. I think the suggestion by Spence is the best solution for me.
DaveW makes a good point that it could be difficult to remove it. If you have trouble getting at the base of it to cut it, you might take a cutting of the crested part first to improve access - a spare plant would be good to have anyway. It looks like the small offset just to the left of the reverted one might be easy to cut, and it would give you clear access to the other. Of course, I can't tell for sure from a photo what the best approach is, but it's an idea to consider.
