Fauna
Plant

Mammillaria spinosissima

Mammillaria spinosissima

Also 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
Mammillaria spinosissima reference1 / 7
(c) Jose Antonio Aranda Pineda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Data DeficientConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXData Deficient — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (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
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyCactaceae
  3. GenusMammillaria
  4. SpeciesMammillaria spinosissima
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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