  
 
Mammillaria is arguably the most popular cactus genus in cultivation. Mammillarias have extremely variable spination from species to species, and eye-catching flowers, making them specifically attractive for cactus hobbyists. Most Mammillaria plants are considered easy to cultivate. The genus Mammillaria is one of the largest in the Cactaceae family, with currently over 200 known species and varieties recognized. Mammillarias are native to Mexico, southwest USA, the Caribbean, Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Honduras. The first was described by Carolus Linnaeus as Cactus mammillaris in 1753, deriving its name from Latin mammilla, "nipple", referring to the tubercles that are one of the plant's specific features.   
  In 1812, the cactus specialist Adrian Haworth described the genus Mammillaria to contain this and related species. Numerous species are commonly known as nipple cactus, fishhook cactus or pincushion though such terms may also be used for related taxa such as Escobaria. Mammillaria species can be grown as pot plants and make interesting features on a sunny veranda or windowsill. They also make an attractive addition to a rockery or water-wise garden.
 The variation in spines is a novel selling feature and often, these plants fit the stereotypical expectations that most people have for a cactus plant, although some species are only going to be found among highly-dedicated cactus growers. The popularity of this genus has led to a good deal of study and consequent literature on both growing and identifying Mammillaria species.
Mammillaria bocasana commonly known as Powder Puff Cactus, Snowball Cactus or Fishhooks is a fast-growing cactus covered with clusters of silky white hairs, with each cluster surrounding a yellow-to-red hooked spine. The spines are used to make fishhooks in Mexico. It is a fast growing species which requires regular irrigation in summer but should be left to go dry between watering. For best results use a pot with good drainage and a very porous growing media. Keep it dry in winter and feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry, hardy as low as -12°C. Outdoors in the garden it thrives on full sun or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. This is an easily clustering and easily flowered species. Most plants will offset readily, and clumps can be produced in a few years.
  
  
  
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