Mammillaria magnimamma, commonly known as Mexican Pincushion, is an evergreen succulent native to arid and semi-arid regions of Central and Northeast Mexico, where it thrives in rocky outcrops and slopes. This perennial plant typically reaches a height of 15–30 cm and a diameter of about 13 cm. Initially solitary, it eventually forms large clumps that may rise above ground level. The Mexican Pincushion is characterized by its cylindrical shape with tubercles and axillary wool. Flowers are pink or white cream with reddish midveins, measuring 20–25 mm in diameter, and bloom in mid-spring, offering a modest yet attractive display.

This succulent is valued for its ease of maintenance, drought tolerance, and the ornamental quality of its flowers and form. It is often used in rock gardens, as a container plant, or in xeriscaping. Mexican Pincushion prefers full sun and requires a well-drained medium, ideally a cactus mix, to prevent root rot. It is cold hardy down to 1 °C (34 °F), but must be protected from frost and inclement weather, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in temperate zones during the summer. Overwatering and poor drainage are common issues that can lead to disease. It has earned the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its exceptional qualities for garden use.CC BY-SA 4.0