Native cactus of the Californias which grows a hooked red central spine. Plants are gynodioecious (bisexual or female) in most populations, though definitely not all. In nature this cactus grows on nearly pure rock and typically is much smaller than its full potential size (6-12 inches). The form may be solitary or sometimes branching at the base or higher up. Small, bright red fruit is edible and tasty. Seeds inside are small and black. May flower and fruit in its second winter, given good care, at about the 4 inch pot size. This species may fruit prolifically, year round, when mature.

Based on recent DNA analysis, this species (plus other Ancistracanthae) is distinct from "core" Mammillarias, and closer to (the former) Cochemiea and (the current) Coryphantha. Axillary bristles are variable. Found in far southern California (San Diego and Imperial Counties) and along the entire extent of the Baja California peninsula, as well as on islands in the Pacific and Gulf of California, and in one population near Bahía Kino in Sonora.

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