Probably one of the most popular of the more dainty and rare Mammillarias, M. theresae is a tiny purple bodied plant about the size of your thumb. In times of drought it shrivels down to almost nothing, making it nearly impossible to find in the wild except when flowering. It is native to a small area in the mountains of Durango Mexico and only grows in moss covered rock outcrops at altitudes of 6000 to 7000 feet. For this reason it is reported to be very cold hardy. It is a beautifull plant, it's feathery tiny white spines contrasting nicely with the reddish purple tubercules. It produces gorgeous large magenta flowers that come in flushes and nearly hide the body of the plant. I got two of them from Miles Anderson late last fall. I can't wait to see if they bloom for me.
     They are supposedly rot prone so I keep mine in a fairly humus free mineral mix and only water from below. So far they've done fine and even seem to appreciate a little water in winter when they start contracting. I'm hoping I get lots of offsets, I would love to try rooting a cutting. This one has a flower bud forming in mid April. Can't wait to see the blooms.

First bud mid april

Four at once!

A closer view

Closer still