This species is aptly named, as the epithet pulchellus means “pretty”. The elegant, hemispherical stems are diminutive, only 1-2" in diameter, and they offset sparingly, if at all. They bear short tubercles topped with clusters of 3-7 inconspicuous spines. The tubercles are arranged in ribs, sometimes subtly spiraled. To top it off, the plants produce exceptionally pretty, hot-pink flowers to 2" across. The type variety offered here occurs in the southern Mexican states of Oaxaca, Puebla, Hidalgo, and Querétaro. HBG 98570. $7.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 81 (2), March - April, 2009