Mammillaria tetrancistra – “Fishhook Cactus”

Also Known As: Common Fishhook Cactus, Corkseed Cactus
Family: Cactus (Cactaceae)
Bloom Period: April
Form: Cylindrical stem, usually singly but sometimes in small clumps; up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall
Habitat: Sandy soil on rocky hillsides
Leaves: 30-60 spines, central-most one is hooked (like a fishhook)
Translation: “Mammillaria” is Latin for “little nipple” and describes the round, conical projections that cover its body; “tetrancistra” is Greek for “four fish-hooks” and refers to its hooked spines.
Notes: Seeds have brown, corky appendages, which gave the plants its common name, “Corkseed.” Cacti in this genus have specialized roots that pull the plants down into the soil during periods of drought, nearly hiding them until rains return when they rehydrate and pop back up.
Native American Uses: Various Native American tribes ate the small red fruits.