Mammillaria parkinsonii aka Owl's Eye
Taxonomy
Mammillaria parkinsonii, also known as owl-eye pincushion or owl-eye cactus, is an endangered species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to Queretaro, Mexico, with a limited distribution of approximately 2,500 km2. This species has solitary stems that can reach up to 15cm across, adorned with white radial spines and curved brown central spines measuring up to 3.5cm in length. Its flowers are 1.5cm in size and are creamy yellow with a pink tinge. Mammillaria parkinsonii thrives in semi-desert areas characterized by a warm-temperate and dry climate, typically found at altitudes between 1,200 and 2,400 meters above sea level. It prefers lime-rich soils and calcareous substrates. However, its habitat is severely fragmented, with small sub-populations occurring in xerophyllous scrub and submontane matorral. The main threats to this species include illegal collection and land use change. Despite its endangered status, Mammillaria parkinsonii is often used as an ornamental plant and is commonly found in cultivation. Further research is needed to clarify its taxonomic status. The species was first described by Ehrenberg in 1840 in Linnaea 14: 375.
Common names
Owl's Eye, Owl's E, Owl's Eye Cactus, Owl Eye PincushionHow to care for Owl's Eye
Difficulty
Owl's Eye presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Owl's Eye does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.
Soil
To ensure the health of your Owl's Eye, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.
Lighting
Owl's Eye thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Owl's Eye Cactus.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Owl's Eye to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Humidity
Owl's Eye prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.
Fertilizer
The growth rate of Owl's Eye is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Owl's Eye’s native range is the Southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Mammillaria Genus
Mammillaria sphacelata
Mammillaria schwarzii
Mammillaria lasiacantha Lace Spine Nipple Cactus
Mammillaria voburnensis
Mammillaria luethyi
Mammillaria mazatlanensis Mammillaria Mazatlanensis
Mammillaria prolifera Little Candles
Mammillaria albicoma
Mammillaria wrightii Wright's Fishhook Cactus
