Structure and identification
The stem is spherical or ovoid, later short-cylindrical. Older plants may produce offsets. Tubercles are conical, and upper lateral spines are longer and clustered. In adult plants, the authors describe four central spines, one projecting further out and three pointing upwards. Young plants initially have only lateral spines in a comb-like arrangement, and successive central spines appear on newly formed areoles. Flowers are yellow. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, p. 170–171]
Habitat and variation
The monograph associates the species with alluvial plains with limestone gravel in western Texas and adjacent parts of Coahuila and Chihuahua. The juvenile form of armature historically contributed to the description of the name Mammillaria pectinata. Flowers may also appear on plants bearing only lateral spines. [Dicht and Lüthy 2005, p. 170–171]
Related articles
Synonyms and names in the literature
Cactus echinus · Cactus pectinatus · Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus · Coryphantha echinus var. robusta · Coryphantha pectinata · Coryphantha radians var. echinus · Coryphantha radians var. pectinata · Mammillaria echinus · Mammillaria pectinata · Mammillaria radians f. echinus · Mammillaria radians var. echinus [2-WWW]