Plant · GBIF taxon 7281203
Mammillaria spinosissima
Mammillaria spinosissimaAlso known as Spiny Pincushion Cactus, Spiny Pincushion
Mammillaria spinosissima is a cylindrical cactus covered in a dense coat of bristly spines that shield its ribbed stem from harsh mountain sunlight. In early spring, mature specimens produce a distinctive halo of vivid magenta blossoms circling the crown of the stem. Clinging to rocky outcrops and exposed limestone shelves in the central Mexican highlands, it provides a vital source of nectar and moisture for native bees and hummingbirds.
SucculentFloweringMontane
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
- Desert woodrats
- Cactus weevils
ThreatsHabitat clearance for agriculture, urbanization, and illegal extraction for the ornamental plant trade
HabitatsTropical deciduous forests, oak woodlands, and rocky volcanic slopes
Life span15–30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyCactaceae
- GenusMammillaria
- SpeciesMammillaria spinosissima
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp spines can cause puncture wounds; safe to admire without touching.
- What to notice
- Look for dense, bristly red-to-golden spines covering upright cylindrical stems, often crowned with pink-violet blooms.
- Support conservation
- Do not disturb plants in the wild or disclose precise GPS coordinates in public forums.
Responsible observation
- Viewing distance: Keep hands clear of the spines, which detach easily and can penetrate light fabric.
- Photography: Look for blooming crowns in late winter and early spring for full color rings.
- Cultivation awareness: Never collect wild specimens; source plants only from certified domestic growers.
Image unavailableSame Genus 
Same Genus (c) Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Gianni Del Bufalo bygdb · cc-by
Pollinator (c) Arturo Crespo Moctezuma, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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