The flower bud of the Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria sp) beginning to open in Southern England

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This specimen belonged to my mother for many years and was kept in her garden in Southern England. The flowers are spectacular and are beautifully coloured a deep orange-red and last only for a couple of days once open. It is a Mammillaria species, possibly elongata which is known as the Ladyfinger Cactus. This genus is one of the largest genera in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 200 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the Mammillarias are native to Mexico, but some come from the Southwest United States, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras.

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Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Chichester, Sussex, England
Photo credit: © Robert Kennett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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