Fishhook cactus facts for kids
The Fishhook cactus is a cool type of cactus known for its unique, hook-shaped spines. These spines look a bit like fishhooks, which is how they got their name! This name is used for many different cacti that have these special spines. They belong to several groups, or genera, of cacti like Mammillaria, Echinomastus, and Sclerocactus.
These cacti are usually small. They often grow up to about 6 to 7 inches (or 20 centimeters) tall. They have a shape similar to a barrel cactus. It's important not to mix them up with the fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizenii). That one is a different type of cactus found in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert areas. There are about 150 different kinds of cacti that are called "Fishhook cactus."
You can often find these interesting cacti growing in desert areas and rocky places. Great spots to see Mammillaria fishhook cacti include the Sonoran Desert, which is near the border between the U.S. and Mexico, and also Mesa Verde National Park.
Cool Types of Fishhook Cacti
The Mammillaria group of cacti is very diverse. It includes not only fishhook cacti but also "pincushion" cacti and other kinds. Here are some notable species often called "fishhook" cacti:
- Mammillaria barbata – This one is also known as the green fishhook cactus.
- Mammillaria dioica – You might hear this called the California fishhook cactus or even the strawberry cactus.
- Mammillaria grahamii – This species is often called the Arizona fishhook cactus.
- Mammillaria grahamii var. oliviae – This is a special variety known as pitahayita.
- Mammillaria tetrancistra – This one is commonly known as the common fishhook cactus.
- Mammillaria thornberi – This cactus is called Thornber's fishhook cactus.
