Mammillaria heyderi
Mammillaria heyderi - Heyder pincushion cactus, along the Mule Ears Trail

Big Bend has only three types of mammillaria cacti, a genus much more common in Mexico. Mammillaria heyderi is by far the largest, forming a large, unbranched stem that grows close to the ground, making the plant somewhat difficult to locate, despite being quite widespread at all locations below 5,300 feet elevation. Flowers are pale yellow in color, appearing in early summer in a ring near the apex. The other two mammillaria species in the park (m. lasiacantha and m.pottsii) have smaller stems, covered in short, thick white spines, and form clusters.

Big Bend National Park > Cacti




License/purchase this photograph

All Contents © Copyright John Crossley | Comments and Questions | Site Map

Arizona California Colorado Nevada New Mexico Oregon Texas Utah Wyoming Slot Canyons Travelogue