# Graham's nipple cactus (*Cochemiea grahamii*) Graham's nipple cactus is a small, round cactus with little bumps on its surface. It loves sunny, dry places and can bloom beautiful flowers when it's happy! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Graham's nipple cactus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Mammilaria_grahamii.jpg&width=800) Photo: Mike and Zahra, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mammilaria_grahamii.jpg) ## Appearance The Graham's nipple cactus has a spherical to cylindrical green body covered in prominent, rounded bumps called tubercles. Each tubercle sports a cluster of sharp, whitish radial spines and a distinctive reddish-brown, downward-hooked central spine, giving it a unique "fishhook" appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Caryophyllales - **Family:** Cactaceae - **Genus:** Cochemiea ## Interesting facts - Even in scorching deserts, this cactus keeps its cool by growing slowly. - Its little fruits are called 'chilitos' by locals, meaning 'little chilis'! - Some desert birds love to build nests right among its spiny defenses! - The hooked spines can actually grab onto fur, helping its seeds hitch a ride! ## Special abilities - **Water Reservoir:** Graham's nipple cactus can swell its stem to store precious water, helping it survive long droughts in its desert home. - **Fishhook Shield:** This cactus has sharp, hooked central spines that deter hungry animals from trying to eat its juicy stem. - **Sweet Bait:** Graham's nipple cactus produces small, bright red, edible fruits that attract animals, helping to spread its seeds. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 10-20 cm - **Spread:** 10-30 cm - **Flower Size:** 2-3 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring to early summer - **Edible:** Yes - **Toxicity:** None - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers. - **Pollinates:** [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) — Feeds on nectar, transferring pollen between blooms. - **Eaten by:** [White-throated Woodrat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-throated-woodrat) (*Neotoma albigula*) — Eats parts of the cactus, especially fruits and stems. - **Eats:** [Northern Mockingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-mockingbird) (*Mimus polyglottos*) — Consumes the bright red fruits, aiding in seed dispersal. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Drought Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/drought-tolerant): Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability. - [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Be careful not to touch the spines, as they can be sharp. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Graham's nipple cactus? Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Graham's nipple cactus? 10-20 cm ### How wide does Graham's nipple cactus spread? 10-30 cm ### How big are the flowers on Graham's nipple cactus? 2-3 cm ### When does Graham's nipple cactus bloom? Spring to early summer ### Is Graham's nipple cactus edible? Yes ### Is Graham's nipple cactus toxic? None ### What is Graham's nipple cactus's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Childs-Irving Hydroelectric Facilities](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/childs-irving-hydroelectric-facilities) — Arizona, US · Historic District - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/degrazia-gallery-in-the-sun-historic-district) — Arizona, US · Historic District - [Desert Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/desert-botanical-garden) — Arizona, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Graham's nipple cactus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/grahams-nipple-cactus) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Graham's nipple cactus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/grahams-nipple-cactus)