Mammillaria is one of the largest genera in the cactus family (Cactaceae), with currently 200 known species and varieties recognized. Most of the mammillarias are native to Mexico, while some come from the Southwestern United States, the Caribbean, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras and Venezuela. The common name "pincushion cactus" refers to this genus and the closely-related Escobaria.
Lophophora diffusa, commonly known as false peyote, is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae and one of the species in the Lophophora genus. It is endemic to Mexico in the outskirts of Querétaro. This species contains zero to trace amounts of mescaline. Instead, pellotine is the principal alkaloid - the psychoactive effects of which are comparatively minimal. The species name diffusa refers to the flat tubercles that are outspread without the plant having prominent ribs.
Mammillaria luethyi is a species of cactus endemic to the Mexican state of Coahuila. The plants are miniature, shaped like balls and covered with tiny white spines and, throughout the summer, large magenta flowers.
Mammillaria zeilmanniana is a species of cactus. It is endemic to Mexico, where it is known only from Guanajuato. It grows in a narrow canyon usually near water where there is high humidity, its total population is fewer than 250 individuals. It is threatened by illegal collection for the horticultural trade. Recent studies link this species to Mammillaria crinita.
Pelecyphora vivipara is a species of cactus known by several common names, including spinystar, viviparous foxtail cactus, pincushion cactus and ball cactus. It is native to North America, where certain varieties can be found from Mexico to Canada. Most of these varieties are limited to the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. The species epithet "vivipara" is due to the species' viviparous reproductive habit.
Ferocactus viridescens is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae. This barrel cactus is known by several common names, including coast barrel cactus, keg cactus and San Diego barrel cactus. Most of its native range in the United States is in San Diego County, California, where it is threatened by development, agriculture, and other alterations in its habitat. It is also found in northern Baja California, Mexico.
Aztekium ritteri is a species of cactus native to the Mexican state of Nuevo León.
Mammillaria rhodantha, the rainbow pincushion, is a plant in the cactus family (Cactaceae) and is one of 171 species in the genus Mammillaria which are characterized by having nipple-shaped tubercles or prominences on their surface.
Mammillaria elongata, the gold lace cactus or ladyfinger cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cactaceae, native to central Mexico. Growing to 15 cm (6 in) tall by 30 cm (12 in) wide, it consists of densely packed clusters of elongated oval stems, covered in harmless yellow or brown spines, and in spring producing white or yellow flowers. It is among the most common and most variable of its genus in nature, and is a popular subject for cultivation. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Cylindropuntia californica is a species of cholla cactus known by the common name snake cholla. It is primarily found in Baja California, Mexico and the southernmost part of California in the United States. It is characterized by a short, decumbent habit, yellow-green flowers, elongated stems, and short spines. It is mostly found in coastal sage scrub and coastal chaparral habitats, but two varieties in Baja California can be found in foothills and deserts. In California, variety californica is regarded as a rare and threatened plant, with a California Native Plant Society listing of 1B.1, in part due to its limited number of occurrences and threats from development. It formerly was considered to have a larger range due to the inclusion of Cylindropuntia bernardina within it as the variety parkeri.
Ferocactus fordii is a species of succulent plant in the family Cactaceae, commonly known as Ford's barrel cactus, endemic to the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. It is spherical, growing to 50 cm (20 in) in diameter, with whitish-grey radial spines and solitary flowers of a deep rose pink, 4 cm (2 in) in diameter.
Cochemiea conoidea, common name Texas cone cactus or Chihuahuan beehive, is a species of cactus native to southern United States to central Mexico.
Mammillaria glassii is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It comprises two subspecies: M. glassii subsp. glassii and M. glassii subsp. ascensionis. In its natural habitat, high in the mountains, it often grows on rocky slopes in the shade. It is grown as an ornamental plant, appreciated for its dense spines and pink flowers, which are especially large in the subsp. ascensionis.
Mammillaria prolifera, commonly known as the Texas or West Indian nipple-cactus, grape cactus, or hair-covered cactus, is a species of cactus native to North America. Three subspecies are currently recognized: M. prolifera subsp. prolifera, M. prolifera subsp. arachnoidea (Mexico), and M. prolifera subsp. texana. The subspecies differ in overall size, the number and color of the spines, and the shape and color of the flowers. Its round or slightly elongated stems usually form small, dense clusters, and flowers are commonly born alongside fruit. It is one of the most popular and widely grown Mammillaria species.
Mammillaria vetula, the thimble cactus, is a species of nipple cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae. It is native to the Mexican states of Hidalgo, Guanajuato and Querétaro. Two subspecies are recognized M. vetula subsp. vetula and M. vetula subsp. gracilis. While the former is usually considered too plain to be grown as an ornamental plant, the latter is one of the most widespread mammillarias in cultivation.
Mammillaria muehlenpfordtii is a species of cactus in the subfamily Cactoideae.
Ferocactus gracilis, the fire barrel cactus, is a species of Ferocactus from Northwestern Mexico. This cactus gets its common name from the striking red coloration of its defensive spines and flowers.
Ferocactus histrix, also known as Acitrón barrel cactus is a species of Ferocactus native to central Mexico. It is a large barrel cactus that can be commonly found throughout all the Central Mexican matorral. It produces an edible fruit appreciated for its sour taste.
Cochemiea phitauiana is a species of Cochemiea found in Mexico.
Thelocactus tepelmemensis is a species of cactus endemic to Mexico.
