MAMMILLARIA COMPRESSA LONGISPINUS

MAMMILLARIA COMPRESSA is a clump-forming cactus with cylindrical to club-shaped stems with long spines that vary in length and arise from conical tubicles. It readily offsets forming a large clump in time. The stems are gray-green to blue-green, often with tufts of white hair and bristles in the axils. They can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The spines are usually chalky white with brown tips. Each areole bears 4 to 6 radial spines, with the lower being longer. Central spines are absent.The flowers are bright purple-pink, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, and appear in spring, forming attractive rings around each stem. Fruits are red, club-shaped, and contain brown seeds.This plant is native to Mexico. It occurs from Hidalgo northwards to Tamaulipas and westwards to Queretaro at elevations that range from 3,280 to 7,350 feet (1,000 to 2,240 m).