About Mammillaria uncinata Zucc. ex Pfeiff.
Mammillaria uncinata Zucc. ex Pfeiff. is a cactus species that typically grows as a solitary individual, but may also form clusters. Its shoots are flattened, ranging from spherical to globular in shape, colored dark blue-green. These shoots reach 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 3.9 in) in height and 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in diameter. The plant has firm, pyramidal tubercles that are angular at their base, and exude milky sap. The axils of the tubercles are initially covered with wool, which becomes bare as the plant matures. This cactus produces one central spine that ranges in color from pinkish-gray to dark purple-brown, with a dark tip, and can grow up to 1 cm (0.39 in) long. It also bears 3 to 6 radial spines that are straight or slightly curved; the uppermost radial spines are shorter and stronger. These radial spines are pinkish to grayish-white, and measure approximately 5 to 6 mm (0.20 to 0.24 in) in length. The flowers of Mammillaria uncinata are yellowish or white, with a reddish-brown central stripe. They are 1.5 to 2 cm (0.59 to 0.79 in) long, and grow up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) in diameter. Its fruits are club-shaped and purple-red, reaching up to 1.8 cm (0.71 in) in length, and contain brown seeds. This species is native to multiple Mexican states: Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Durango, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, Michoacán, and Jalisco, where it grows at elevations between 1,500–2,800 m (4,900–9,200 ft).
