Stenocactus consists of 10 species of small globular cacti from central and northern Mexico. Echinofossulocactus is now part of Stenocactus and contains the Brain Cacti, so named for the many wrinkled ribs.
This interesting characteristic along with the pretty flowers and impressive spination make Stenocacti very collectable plants.
Stenocactus are usually solitary although a few species are known to produce offsets once mature. For this reason they are most often propagated from seed. Fairly small cacti, they rarely exceed four inches in diameter.
In late summer they produce one inch wide tubular flowers with striped petals. The flower colors range from white to a rich magenta and are generally self sterile.