Mammillaria elongata or Gold Lace Cactus takes the form of densely packed clusters of elongated spherical, columnar stems, covered in yellow or brown spines.
In springtime is produces very pretty white or pale yellow flowers in a circle at the crown.
They grow as a clump.
It is among the most common species of this genus and is very popular for general indoor growing as they are extremely easy to keep and reward with pretty flowers.
It was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.