Nellie's Cory Cactus (Escobaria minima)

Photograph of the Nellie Cory Cactus

TPWD ©

Other Names
Nellie Cory Cactus, Dwarf Cory Cactus, Least Cory Cactus, Birdfoot Cactus
Texas Status
Endangered
U.S. Status
Endangered, Listed 11/07/1979
Description
Nellie's cory cactus is a tiny cactus with rounded, single stems to 1 inch tall. It is crowded with thick, white spines and produces pink flowers.
Life History
This tiny cactus with its thick whitish spines and attractive pink flowers (larger than the plant itself) is highly prized among collectors. It blooms primarily in May, but the blooming period lasts from March - June. Afterwards, it produces fruit that ripens from June - October. Nellie's cory cactus was once found on highway right- of-ways, but was extirpated due to intense collecting pressure.
Habitat
Nellie's cory cactus grows on Caballos Novaculite rock outcrops (a quartz-like material) in sparsely vegetated areas of the Chihuahuan Desert.
Distribution
This species is now known only from three sites, all in Brewster County.

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