Cochemiea THORNBERI - Thornber's pincushion cactus, Thornber's fishhook cactus, Cochemiea thornberi, Mammillaria thornberi.
Cochemiea is a genus of plants in the Cactaceae family, comprising about 25 species native to Mexico and the southern regions of the United States.
The genus is represented by plants with cylindrical, often solitary or branching stems covered with areoles bearing spines. Leaves are reduced to small tubercles. Stems can reach various sizes depending on the species.
Flowering occurs in spring and summer. Flowers are funnel-shaped, symmetrical, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter, situated at the apex of the stem. Flower color ranges from bright pink to red. Following flowering, berry-like fruits develop, containing small black seeds.
Cochemiea thornberi is a low-growing cactus with cylindrical or elongated-globose stems, usually growing in small clumps. The surface is covered with small conical tubercles, at the tips of which are areoles with dense white radial spines and one or more central spines, often hooked. The overall appearance of the plant is light and fluffy due to the dense interweaving of spines.
Flowering occurs in spring. Flowers appear near the apex of the stem, funnel-shaped, large relative to the plant's size, bright pink or purple, with a contrasting pale center and long petals. Fruits are elongated, red, containing small black seeds.