(Photograph = Mammillaria tetrancistra showing fishhook spines, Johnida Dockens)
Introduction
Mammillaria tetrancistra is a small cactus (stem succulent) of the Mojave and Sonornan Deserts in northern Mexico and southwestern United States. It is found in Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and Baja California and Sonora in Mexico. Often it is a single stem, but it may have a few branches and form a small cluster of stems.
The Details
The cylindrical stem may be about 2-inches wide and up to 3- or 4- inches tall. Each areole has many spines. There are 2 to 4 centrals that are dangerously hooked, and there are many straight radials. The central spines are dark brown or black, whereas the radials are white or gray-white. The flower is bright pink or bright lavender and that are striped with white. The brilliant red fruits often persist on the plant for many months.
There are various cacti with hooked spines, and M. tetrancistra (like others) is sometimes called fishhook cactus.
The cactus is found in some of the driest desert areas of the Mojave Desert, as well as more hospitable areas.
Additional Reading: The Genus Mammillaria per the New Cactus Lexicon
