This wide-ranging ball cactus is found throughout the midwestern prairie, plains, and mountain states. There are at least two or three varieties within this species.

Stems: Spherical stems are usually solitary but may form small clumps. Individual stems are about 2 to 3 inches in diameter with half or more of the plant's body below the soil surface. Each spherical stem is covered with tubercles that are evenly spaced and about 1/2 inch long. Grooves along the upper side of each tubercle extend nearly to the axil of the stem.

Spines: Each areole has 10 to 20 radial spines that are about 1/2 inch long. One or 2 central spines may be present and are similar to the radials but inconspicuous.

Flowers: Greenish-yellow-bronze-gold flowers generally appear in May. They are 3/4 to 1 inch across Right Photo: Cultivated example of N. missouriensis. Largest stem is about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Left Photo: N. missouriensis in pinyon-juniper habitat at about 5,500 feet elevation. Note how, even in the spring, much of the stem is below the surface of the crypto-biotic soil crust.

Fruits: Remain green and hidden below the spines in the axils of the tubercles for nearly a year following flowering. In the spring (following the year of flowering), the fruit turns a bright scarlet red and is extruded from between the tubercles. N. missouriensis in pinyon-juniper habitat at about 5,500 feet elevation in Mesa County. Note the plant litter tending to hide the plant in the lower photo and how the bright red fruits attract attention to an otherwise well camouflaged plant. Individual stems are about 2 inches in diameter.

Habitat: These plants can be found growing in a variety of, grassland, sagebrush, and pinyon-juniper woodland habitats.

Comments: These plants shrink and can virtually disappear below the soil surface during much of the year. The best time to see these plants is in the spring and early summer when the bright red fruits and yellowish flowers help attract attention to these otherwise very obscure plants. The grooved tubercles and bright red fruits are two of the most obvious identifying characteristics of this plant.

There are 2 or 3 different species, varieties or forms of Neobessya that are hardy and may be available for cultivation.

Culture: A well drained, porous soil is preferred. A desert rock garden with lots of additional coarse sand and gravel is ideal. Partial shading, especially during the hottest part of the summer, is helpful. Supplemental water should be provided during the growing season when the plants are getting established and during extended hot dry periods. Do not add any supplemental water during the fall and winter seasons. Light annual applications of a well balanced fertilizer may improve plant vigor and flowering.

Propagation: Growing from seed is the most effective way of propagating the Missouri pincushion cactus. Seedlings should be pot grown until they are at least 3/4 inch diameter. Moderate shading should be provided for the seedlings.

Problems: There are few insect or disease pests associated with most hardy cacti. Problems are most likely to result from improper watering. Too much water and the plant may rot, too little water may result in poor vigor or even death.

References Used

The Chinle Cactus and Succulent Club