Epithelantha greggii (Engelm.) Orcutt

Epithelantha greggii is a species of Epithelantha found in Mexico.

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Epithelantha greggii is a small cactus species characterized by a branched, generally spherical or obovoid stem. The stem often has a flattened top with a depressed apex and measures 5 to 7.5 cm in diameter. Its surface is densely covered with spines, giving it a compact appearance. The root system is typically diffuse. The plant has numerous tiny tubercles, about 1 to 2 mm in size, which do not fuse into ribs. These hemispherical or short-cylindrical tubercles are arranged in tight spirals around the stem. At the tip of each tubercle is a small, nearly circular areole, about 1 mm long and lacking glands. When the plant is juvenile, the areoles show slight wooliness; in mature stems, wool becomes more prominent at the apex. Spines are abundant—more than 20 per areole—and vary in color from chalk-white to ash-gray or reddish-brown. They are 3 to 5 mm long, straight, cylindrical, slender, and arranged radially from an early age. The spines are not pectinate or pressed against the stem and are non-pungent, with the upper spines being longer. The flowers are small, funnel-shaped, and pink, opening during the day. They are less conspicuous, emerging at the upper edges of spine clusters at the plant's apex. The flowers open partially, with only the distal part visible above the woolly area, which is covered by longer spines. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. Fruits are bright red, slender, and narrowly cylindrical, about 1.8 cm long and 2–3 mm (occasionally up to 5 mm) wide. They are initially somewhat succulent but dry quickly, becoming papery. The fruits lack spines and pulp, have a smooth surface, and shed floral remnants easily. Fruiting occurs in summer.

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