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jumping cholla
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida
Family: Cactaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Jumping Cholla: An Overview
The Jumping Cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia fulgida, is a fascinating and somewhat infamous cactus found in the Southwestern United States and Sonora. It is also commonly referred to as the hanging chain cholla, chainfruit cholla, or teddy bear cholla (though this name can also refer to Cylindropuntia bigelovii).
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is very spiny, with dense spines that can easily detach and cause painful wounds.
- The spines have barbed tips and microscopic scales, making them difficult to remove.
Considerations for Children
- The plant's segments detach easily, appearing to "jump" off and attach to anything that brushes against them.
- The spines are sharp and can cause painful injuries.
- Despite looking "fuzzy" and "soft" from a distance, the plant is covered in dense spines.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia fulgida
- Synonym: Opuntia fulgida
- Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Sonoran Desert and southwestern parts of the United States.
- Found in arid areas, particularly in Arizona and California (e.g., Joshua Tree National Park, Picacho State Park).
Morphological Characteristics
- Typically a shrub, but can sometimes grow into a small tree.
- Features irregular, jointed branches with cylindrical stem segments.
- Covered in dense spines, giving it a fuzzy or furry appearance from a distance.
Quirky Facts
- The "jumping" nature of the cholla comes from its easily detached stem segments, which readily attach to anything that brushes against them, creating the illusion that the cactus is jumping.