That particular Rhipsalis makes small whitish berries with no flavor. The fruit in the pot in the pic are from the Melo. (There's one still hanging on the top.) The hairs on the cephalium are so tight that as the fruit grows, it is forced up and out. The fruit are hollow and tasteless, and few seeds are inside. Rhipsalis species. The large stems are one species, the gold flowers belong Hatiora (Rhipsalis) salicornioides, and the white flowers and small green stems are the third species that co-habit with the Melocactus. I've had houseplants since I was a kid. Some followed me around the country for 10 years, but the majority became succulents in the mid 90s. With the internet came the opportunity to find formerly obscure things like cactus seeds and people who were growing more than they could want. The 2 things go hand in hand. I still have many plants that are 20 years old, including an Espostoa guentheri that is now about 9ft. tall and reaching the roof of the greenhouse. Anybody want to come get it?

I'm with s&b on this one Al, Mamm dioica has less radials, and they are much more needle-like, whereas yours appear to be rather flexible and bristle-like. The centrals are also much stronger in that respect and are often quite dark in colour. The link below to pics of M dioica may show it better than I'm explaining it. Happy growing, CP Here is a link that might be useful: Mamm dioica

Dear s-n-b If it is rhodantha ssp pringlei, 'variable' would be the operable term. I never gave that species/variety a thought because other plants I have with that name tag are quite different. My other plants with that name have been blooming on and off all summer. (Again-variable) Thanks, and if you have any other ideas, please, please, please. I'm looking through my pics for a better shot of the spines. But, again, variable??? A grateful - Al

Did you submit this photo to mammillarias.net :) Here is a link that might be useful: Mammillaria zeilmanniana