Turbinicarpus valdezianus

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Turbinicarpus valdezianus is a tiny, slow-growing cactus from the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico. It is one of the smallest species in its genus and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and on CITES Appendix I. The plant usually grows alone but can form small clumps. When young it is spherical and later becomes cylindrical with a narrow base, topped with many fine white spines that cover the tip. About half of the plant stays underground on a strong taproot. It reaches about 3–5 cm in height and 1–2 cm in diameter. It produces 1–5 flowers in spring at the top, colors ranging from pinkish-white to bright pink, with darker midveins. Its natural habitat is hot deserts at elevations of 1,400–1,600 meters, from Saltillo in Coahuila to near Matehuala in San Luis Potosí. The species is threatened by loss of desert habitat.