RED HEADED IRISHMAN CACTUS

   One of the most recognizable cacti, Red-Headed Irishman Cactus is scientifically known as Mammillaria spinosissima. Red-headed Irishman cactus earned its name because the new spines at the top of the plant are a rich, coppery-red color. It is a cactus with cylindrical, dark blue-green stems almost hidden under a dense covering of spines. The stems grow up to 20 inches (30 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter . Flowers are freely produced in spring and form a ring around the upper part of the plant. They are purplish or deep pink, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in  diameter .