Found in Northeastern Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas), Mammillaria candida is a usually solitary spherical cactus to 6 inches across. The bright white spines are a fine contrast to the striped pink flowers. Though it looks pettable, the short central spines are hard and sharp. Pale pink and white striped flowers appear in spring.
     The pictures below were taken in March 2008. What a show!

Flowers in March

A little closer

Closer still

A closeup of the spines