Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus
ExplorePlants
Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus
mammillaria lasiacantha
The Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus is a fun and unique plant that has tiny, colorful spines that look like lace! It loves to soak up the sun and can survive in very dry places.
Habitat: Dry, desert areas in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Appearance
The Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus is a small, spherical to short-cylindrical cactus densely covered in soft, white, intertwining spines that create a delicate, lacy appearance. It typically has small, pale pink to white flowers that emerge in a ring near its crown.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusMammillaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
After flowering, this tiny cactus often grows small, bright red fruits!
It can live for many, many years, patiently waiting for rain in harsh deserts.
Its 'nipple' name comes from the little bumps (tubercles) on its stem where spines grow!
Though spiny, some people say its densely woven spines feel like soft lace.
Special abilities
Ability
Sun Shield
Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus has dense, white spines that reflect intense desert sunlight, protecting its delicate skin from scorching heat.
Ability
Water Hoarder
This cactus can store water in its thick, fleshy stem, allowing it to survive long periods without rain in dry environments.
Ability
Spine Armor
Its intertwining, sharp spines create a formidable barrier, deterring most animals from trying to nibble on its juicy stem.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-5 cm
- Spread
- 5-15 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-1.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees visit its small flowers, helping with pollination.
eaten by
Collared Peccary
Pecari tajacu
Peccaries sometimes eat cacti, despite their protective spines.
symbiotic with
Red Harvester Ant
Pogonomyrmex barbatus
Ants collect its seeds, helping spread them around the desert.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Desert
Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
Lace CactusMammillariaNipple Cactus
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be careful of the spines; they can be sharp!
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus?
2-5 cm
How wide does Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus spread?
5-15 cm
How big are the flowers on Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus?
1-1.5 cm
When does Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus bloom?
Spring
Is Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus edible?
No
Is Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus toxic?
None
What is Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Lace-Spine Nipple Cactus pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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