Mammillaria Surculosa
Origin and Habitat: Tamaulipas - nearby Miquihiuany to the north of San Luis Potosí - nearby La Inconada, North-Eastern Mexico (extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km²). Altitude: 950-1200 metres above sea level.
Mammillaria surculosa occurs at low densities in severely disjunct subpopulations on lower slopes on calcareous soils in very sparse xerophytic shrubland along with Thelocactus tulensis, Mammillaria microthele, Neolloydia conoidea, Echinocereus pentalophus, Opuntia microdasys, Astrophytum myriostigma v. strongylogonum. It is rare and hard to find. There is also evidence of illegal trade and declining habitat quality, hence it is reasonable to say there is continuing decline. Overgrazing of the habitat by goats may also pose a threat.
Ecology: The small heads of Mammillaria surculosa break off easily and attach to animal fur or feathers by means of the hooked central spine and then drop off later. These heads are spread to considerable distances by the animals, and can take root as they fall down to the ground, making them perfect for mass distribution via large areas.
Origin and Habitat: Tamaulipas - nearby Miquihiuany to the north of San Luis Potosí - nearby La Inconada, North-Eastern Mexico (extent of occurrence is less than 5,000 km²). Altitude: 950-1200 metres above sea level.
Mammillaria surculosa occurs at low densities in severely disjunct subpopulations on lower slopes on calcareous soils in very sparse xerophytic shrubland along with Thelocactus tulensis, Mammillaria microthele, Neolloydia conoidea, Echinocereus pentalophus, Opuntia microdasys, Astrophytum myriostigma v. strongylogonum. It is rare and hard to find. There is also evidence of illegal trade and declining habitat quality, hence it is reasonable to say there is continuing decline. Overgrazing of the habitat by goats may also pose a threat.
Ecology: The small heads of Mammillaria surculosa break off easily and attach to animal fur or feathers by means of the hooked central spine and then drop off later. These heads are spread to considerable distances by the animals, and can take root as they fall down to the ground, making them perfect for mass distribution via large areas.