Encephalocarpus (syn. Pelecyphora) cacti are small and have a roundish shape. Only very young seedlings have spines which they loose when they get older. Encephalocarpus seeds are around 1 mm in diameter. There is only one known species in this cactus family: Encephalocarpus strobiliformis, which is native to Mexico. Encephalocarpus plants need a mineral soil mix with optimum drainage to grow. Avoid any forms of peat in your soil mix. Propagation is possible from seeds which germinate usually without problems.