mammillaria spinosissima

Native to central Mexico, Mammillaria spinosissima inhabits limestone rocky slopes at 1500-2000 m elevation. It is a polycarpic species with globose stems elongating into columns. Notably, it features dense, long spines forming a nearly impenetrable network, an unusual trait within the genus. Cylindrical stems up to 40 cm long, 8-10 cm diameter, with conical tubercles arranged spirally. Radial spines white, 2-3 cm long; central spines stronger, up to 5 cm. Dark green color masked by dense spines giving a grayish appearance.