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Cochemiea fraileana
Cochemiea fraileana is a rare species of cactus in the genus Cochemiea commonly known as the Fraile nipple cactus. This species is endemic to the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico and can be found along the east coast of the southern part of the state in desert scrub communities. They tend to grow in non-calcareous dry granite-based soil but can also grow in rocky habitats, either in rock fissures or directly on top of the rock surface even without the presence of soil. Thus, the mineral composition of the rocks in their habitat directly influences their abundance. The habitat of Cochemiea fraileana is home to succulent flora and is particularly rich in local endemics. Currently, no major threats to the species are known to exist.
Cochemiea fraileana is not known for being easy to cultivate, however in good conditions with ventilation it can grow easily. Since this species thrives in an arid climate, they are especially sensitive to overwatering and require open potting soil with sufficient air. The mix must be moderately acidic. Peat and other humus sources in the soil can be detrimental to growth, along with limestone. Cochemiea fraileana needs maximum sunlight to grow and achieve success in flowering, as they are used to warmer climates. Likewise, frost can harm the plant as well. Letting the plant rest in winter to shrivel, even losing up to 25% of its summer height, will help the flowering process.
Cochemiea fraileana is endemic to the state of Baja California Sur in Mexico, where it is primarily distributed throughout the coastal vicinity of La Paz and Pichilinque and on several of the islands of the Sea of Cortez, including Isla Espíritu Santo and Isla Partida.
Cochemiea albicans · Cochemiea angelensis · Los Cabos nipple cactus · Green Flowered Pincushion Cactus · Cochemiea blossfeldiana · Cochemiea boolii · Cochemiea bullardiana · Cochemiea capensis · Cochemiea cerralboa · Coastal Fish Hook Cactus · Cochemiea estebanensis · Cochemiea goodridgei
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Cochemiea fraileana by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
