Mammillaria bombycina, Silken Pincushion Cactus is an easy-to-grow small Mammillaria from Central Mexico with distinctive reddish-brown hooked central spines amd woolly aureoles. It produces soft-pink flowers in the spring and summer followed by pale greenish-yellow seedpods.

Mammillaria bombycina never grows too large which together with its ease of cultivation makes it an ideal beginner cactus or as a gift, especially to a young or newly enthusiastic cactophile just starting their collection. It is a perfect first cactus for someone who you might wish to inspire with a love of plants. It is basically bombproof as long as you don't overwater it.