This clustering cactus has stems up to 70mm (2¾in) wide covered in cylindrical tubercles that are hidden by the woolly axils and numerous spines. The funnel-shaped pale yellow flowers are diurnal and appear during summer.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11 

Mammillaria plumosa is naturally found in North America growing in north-east Mexico in well drained gritty lime based soils in an open sunny position and tolerates drought or high temperatures but is frost tender. 

The Feather Cactus is grown for its soft whitish appearance and is planted in cactus and succulent garden or rockeries and commonly used as a potted indoor plant. It is suitable for inland regions establishing from division in 1 to 2 years and can be grown against a sunny wall. ID 2093

Mammillaria (măm-i-LAH-ree-a) plumosa (ploo-MO-sa)

Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)