Native to the Pacific coast of central Mexico in the states of Jalisco, Michoacán and Colima, this species derives its name from the latter state. It is one of the Filifera group characterized by fibrous filaments produced from the leaf margins. A. colimana is distinguished by its elongate leaves and its long tubular flower. Rosettes are of modest size, and the species is considered by Gentry to make a fine garden ornamental. We offer plants grown from seed collected in southern Jalisco, just north of the state of Colima, along a side road towards Tenacatita, Playa Mora off Mex 200 from Barra de Navidad to Puerto Vallarta. Gentry illustrates the species growing on open coastal bluffs where it experiences salt spray but mentions that it also grows in adjacent forests as did the source of this seed. In the latter habitat it can grow in dense thickets associated with Mammillaria mazatlanensis, Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum and Stenocereus standleyi. HBG 120042, $7.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 87 (3), May - June, 2015