Prolifically clumping low, spiny cactus with small stems, creamy white to pinkish yellow flowers, and bright red fruit. A widespread, variable species. Stems are dark green to blue-green. 5-12 central spines, 25-40 radial spines (which are sometimes hard to tell apart). Found in southern Texas, northeastern Mexico (south to Querétaro), and the Caribbean. Relatively common and well-behaved in cultivation. Easy to propagate from offsets, which are easy to remove. Clumps may not survive shipping intact.

The polyploid Mammillaria (Mammillaria prolifera subsp. prolifera) is the Caribbean form (found on Cuba and Hispaniola), with ~2.5 inch diameter stems (on the large side for this species) and yellow spines. The polyploid Texas Nipple Cactus (Mammillaria prolifera subsp. texana) is the main continental form, with white and brown spines. The diploid Mammillaria (Mammillaria prolifera subsp. arachnoidea) is restricted to southern Tamaulipas and Hidalgo and is characterized by fine central spines and narrow, funnel-shaped flowers.

Fruit is pretty tasty but may be hidden by branching that occurs after flowering.

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A small, heavily clumping, globular cactus. Flowers white, may possess stripes and a red/orange colored throat. Self pollinating. Spines yellow, prominent (obscuring the stem), can have shades of white or gray. Stems are tuberculated like all mammillarias, and are somewhat flexible. Certain parts of the plant (near branch joints and the base) can be colored red. Its heads can root and break easily, forming large clusters. Likes a winter rest and mineral to semi-mineral soil. It can tolerate moderate light levels and likes frequent watering in summer.
The cactus is famous for 2 things:
-it's among the easiest mammillarias to grow (along with elongata and vetula gracilis) because of its fast clumping speed and durability;
-and it's among the most famous mammillarias grown for fruit, with strawberry-flavored, chili-pepper-shaped berries.

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