Cochemiea ESTEBANENSIS - San Esteban cochemiea, Mammillaria estebanensis, Mammillaria.
Cochemiea is a genus of plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), 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 spine-bearing areoles. Leaves are reduced to small tubercles. The stems can reach various sizes depending on the species.
Flowering occurs in spring and summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped, symmetrical, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long and up to 3 cm (1.2 in) across, positioned at the apex of the stem. Flower coloration varies from bright pink to red. After flowering, berry-like fruits containing small black seeds are formed.
San Esteban cochemiea is a narrow columnar cactus with a slender cylindrical stem that can reach significant height with age and sometimes branches at the base. The tubercles are elongated, dense, and arranged in distinct spiral rows. The areoles bear dense clusters of slender white radial spines and 1-3 central ones, which are stiffer, darker, and often hooked. The overall appearance of the plant is silvery-white due to the dense spine cover, beneath which a glaucous-green stem is concealed.
Flowering occurs in spring. The flowers are large for the genus, funnel-shaped, bright pink or purple, with a paler tube and bright yellow stamens. They are arranged in a crown in the apical zone. The fruits are elongated, red, containing small black seeds.