  
 
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 Escobariia 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 magnifica, from the latin word magnificus meaning magnificent, is native to Puebla and Morelos in Mexico. It can be found growing at altitudes of 1000 to 1550 m. It is a fairly fast growing plant in cactus terms, and can form large clumps with cylindrical stems of up to 40cm high and 7 to 9 cm in diameter. There are 18 to 24 yellow to white radial spines of 3 to 8 mm in length, and 4 to 5, sometimes 8 central spines up to 55 cm long and yellowish brown to brown in colour. The lowermost central spine is hooked. The flowers are purplish red and 11 to 12 mm in diameter followed by pink and green fruits. This species grows well in cultivation and is fairly fast growing for a cactus. Older clumps will need a wide, shallow pot.
  
  
  
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