Mammillaria geminispina

Native to northeastern Mexico south to Veracruz, this succulent cactus grows in desert and dry shrubland habitats. It forms a mound of clustered stems that can reach about 8 inches tall. White radial spines and longer central spines project from prominent tubercles, with wool and bristles between them. Small flowers, commonly white with deep pink stripes, emerge near the stem tops. It is grown in containers in a freely draining cactus mix, with moderate watering during active growth and very little water in winter. New plants can be raised from seeds or by separating offsets. Photographed in Colombia.