Coryphantha Species, Elephant's Tooth, Starry Ball
Coryphanthaelephantidens

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Coryphantha (kor-ry-FAN-tha)
Species: elephantidens (el-ef-FANT-id-enz)

Synonym:Mammillaria recurvispina

Synonym:Coryphantha recurvispina

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage
Textured

Foliage Color
Blue-Green

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pale Pink
Pink
Magenta (pink-purple)

Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored