Pincushion or Cushion cactus, Ball cactus
| Botanical Name | Escobaria (Coryphantha) vivipara |
| Common Name | Pincushion or Cushion cactus, Ball cactus |
| Family | Cactaceae - Cactus |
| Description | This very spiny perennial is globular in shape. It can grow singly or in a cluster. They are inconspicuous until flowers appear. |
| Mature Size | It is usually less than 4" tall and 2" wide. |
| Bloom | May-July. The flower has many pink to purple petals and is about 1.5" wide. It opens midday and stays open 4-5 hours. It does not reopen the following day. |
| Interesting Facts | This cactus is sacred to the Tarahumara Indians in northern Mexico. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses | None found. |
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Photo for SFBG by Janice Tucker
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