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Peninsular fishhook cactus

Cochemiea dioica

The Peninsular fishhook cactus is a unique cactus that grows in the desert. It has beautiful, bright flowers and sharp spines that help it survive in dry places.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Peninsular fishhook cactus is a small, clumping cactus with multiple stems covered in dense, hooked spines. Its green stems are often obscured by whitish-gray spines, and it produces small, funnel-shaped flowers ranging from white to yellow, followed by bright red, berry-like fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusCochemiea
Peninsular fishhook cactus
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badgesucculent trait badge
Peninsular fishhook cactus

Category

Plants

Rarity

Rare

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite its small size, it boasts vibrant flowers that pop in the desert sun!

Its bright red fruits are a tasty treat for birds and other desert creatures!

Some say its hooked spines help spread its seeds by catching on passing animals!

This tiny cactus can grow a whole colony of stems, spreading across the ground!

Special abilities

Ability

Hooked Defender

Peninsular fishhook cactus has sharp, hooked spines that help it protect itself from hungry desert animals trying to take a bite.

Ability

Water Saver

This cactus has a thick, waxy skin that helps it lock in precious water, allowing it to survive in very dry desert conditions.

Ability

Night Breather

Peninsular fishhook cactus uses a special trick called CAM photosynthesis, opening its pores only at night to save water while making food.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Spread
15-45 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar and pollen

eats

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

consumes the small, red fruits

eats

Cactus Mouse

Peromyscus eremicus

may nibble on stems or fruits

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Be careful around cacti! Their spines can be sharp and hurt if you touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Peninsular fishhook cactus?

10-30 cm

How wide does Peninsular fishhook cactus spread?

15-45 cm

How big are the flowers on Peninsular fishhook cactus?

2-3 cm

When does Peninsular fishhook cactus bloom?

Spring to early summer

Is Peninsular fishhook cactus edible?

No

Is Peninsular fishhook cactus toxic?

None

What is Peninsular fishhook cactus's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Peninsular fishhook cactus pollinated?

Insect

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