This cacti forms clusters of upright spherical stems up to 40mm (1½in) wide and covered in small whitish spines. The small funnel-shaped white flowers appear during day light towards the top of the stem in summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Mammillaria carmenae is naturally found in North America in central Mexico (Tamaulipas) growing in moderately fertile, sharply drained soils in an open sunny position and tolerates drought or high temperatures but is frost tender.  

The Pincushion Cacti is grown for its compact habit and flowers. It is used in desert or rock gardens as a specimen or as a container plant in cacti collections. It establishes from offsets in 3 to 5 years requiring a well-lit position. In cold climates it is grown under glass with low humidity. ID 1796

Note:
This genus of plants needs protection from wet winters and if the conditions are dry they will tolerate mild frosts.

Mammillaria (măm-i-LAH-ree-a) carmenae (kar-MEN-ah-ee)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)