Pitahayita, Choyita, Fishhook Cactus

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 10° F (-10°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun (light shade in summer in Phoenix)

Origin: California to Texas, northwestern Mexico, 1000 to 5000 feet elevation (300-1500 m), in full sun or in the shade of a shrub

Growth Habits: Solitary or forming mounds, globose to cylindrical, up to 6 inches tall (15 cm), 2 to 2.4 inches in diameter (5-6 cm); conical tubercles, 0.3 inch tall (7 mm), 0.24 inch in diameter (6 mm); axils bare; 1 to 4 central spines, hooked, 0.5 to 0.7 inch long (12-18 mm); 15 to 35 needle-like straight radials, 0.24 to 0.5 inch long (6-12 mm).

Watering Needs: Regular water in summer

Mammillaria grahamii var. aureicarpa

Mammillaria grahamii is protected in Arizona.
This species is quite variable and a lot of local variances have been described as independent species. The name M. microcarpa was not published properly and is therefore invalid. The name M. grahamii is then the oldest valid name.

Blooming Habits:
Large, pink, 1.5 inches in diameter (4 cm) flowers in late spring, from February to July. The fruit is claviform.