Mammillaria crucigera

First description of this unusual Mammillaria was published in 1832, almost 180 years ago. Despite that, it is still uncommon and desirable plant among collectors. The plant's stem is tightly covered with short spines, and with age white cotton develops from axiles. Pink flowers are tiny.
The plant is slow to develop and somewhat rot pron when young, may be due to grower's lack of patience. Large plants usually present no problems when grown in well aerated pure mineral substrate/