Fish-Hook Cactus, Mammillaria

Closeup photo of a Fish-hook cactus with flowers
Anza-Borrego's commonly seen Fish-hook Cactus, Mammillaria dioicia

Mammillaria is a low-key plant that grows quietly, close to the ground, often (but not always) in fields that are full of cactus, ocotillo and other plants that thrive in dry places. Two species grow in Anza-Borrego, Mammillaria dioica (Fish-Hook or Nipple Cactus) and Mammillaria tetrancistra (Yaqui Mammillaria or Corkseed Fish-Hook Cactus). They seem to like to grow snuggled up next to rocks or other plants.

As for what to call them, "mammil" means nipple which sounds nurturing. Fish-hook refers to the appearance of their spines. A fish-hook is anything but nurturing.

Photo of a Fish-Hook Cactus with two red fruits
The seldom seen Fish-hook Cactus, Mammillaria tetrancistra