This spherical cactus has a dark green stem with a woolly crown and has 18 to 20 ribs that have spines. The yellow diurnal funnel-shape flowers appear from the top of the plant during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Parodia mammulosais naturally found growing in the highlands of southern Brazil, Uruguay and north-east Argentina. It grows in gritty well-drained soils in an open position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

Ball cactus is grown for its colourful flowers and its ease of care and is used as potted specimen plant for both indoors or outdoors or in cacti garden. They are vigorous growing and should not be watered during winter. It requires a minimum temperature of 10şC (50şF) and a well-lit position. ID 1483

Parodia(pa-RÔ-dee-a) mammulosa (mâm-ew-LÔ-sus)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)