Mammillaria carretii
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Mammillaria carretii faces severe pressure from illegal collection for the international cactus trade, with its distinctive appearance making it highly sought after by collectors. The species' extremely limited range in northeastern Mexico makes entire populations vulnerable to overcollection events. Urban expansion and agricultural conversion in the Tamaulipas region continue to fragment and destroy the specialized limestone habitats this cactus requires.
Habitat
This species inhabits dry limestone hills and rocky outcrops in the Chihuahuan Desert scrublands of northeastern Mexico. It grows in well-drained calcareous soils among thornscrub vegetation, typically at elevations between 200-800 meters.
