My Mammillaria duwei has recently developed a growth that looks like a tumor. I am wondering if I should leave it or remove it and try to graft it. I welcome any comments or suggestions.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/84014570@ ... ed-public/
Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Yep! Your cactus has a tumor. It's just like a gall on an oak tree. Shouldn't spread, or be harmful if you cure the underlying cause- usually an infection of some sort.
Here's a short article from the NY times about plant tumors:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/scien ... ancer.html
Here's a short article from the NY times about plant tumors:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/16/scien ... ancer.html
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Looks like a Mammillaria bocasana 'Fred' is growing up there...!
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
You may be able to propagate it as a monstrose form by grafting, as Aiko indicates that is probably how Mammillaria "Fred" originally occurred as a sport on a normal plant.
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMIL ... a_fred.htm
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMIL ... a_fred.htm
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Thank you for your help. I just noticed that the strange growth appears to have begun at a point in the plant where there is a slight ring, as if growth may have stopped and resumed. It could be the result of an injury. I think I will leave it on the plant for a while and observe (it appears to be growing pretty fast) then remove a piece or two and grant on Cereus jubertii. If there is any success, I will post a picture at the end of the growing season.
Jerry
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Quite grotesque!DaveW wrote:You may be able to propagate it as a monstrose form by grafting, as Aiko indicates that is probably how Mammillaria "Fred" originally occurred as a sport on a normal plant.
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/MAMMIL ... a_fred.htm
Re: Unsual Growth On My Mammillaria
Yes I hate cristates and monstrose cacti Toadstar, so perhaps should not be encouraging people to propagate them.