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jumping cholla
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata
Family: Cactaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cylindropuntia fulgida: The Jumping Cholla
The jumping cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia fulgida, is a distinctive cactus species found in the arid landscapes of the southwestern United States and Sonora, Mexico. It's a plant known for its unique method of seed dispersal, which has earned it a rather intimidating reputation.
Common Names
- Jumping Cholla
- Hanging Chain Cholla
- Chainfruit Cholla
- Teddy Bear Cholla
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia fulgida (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth
- Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southwestern United States and Sonora, Mexico.
- Commonly found in the Sonoran Desert and other arid regions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Typically grows as a shrub, but can occasionally develop into a small tree.
- Characterized by irregular, jointed branches.
- Cylindrical stem segments joined end-to-end create a branching, tree-like structure.
Considerations for Pets
- The jumping cholla is a very spiny cactus.
- It has spines that can easily detach and attach to skin or fur.
Considerations for Children
- The jumping cholla has sharp spines that can cause painful wounds.
- The plant's segments readily detach, potentially posing a hazard to children who may brush against it.
Quirky Facts
- The jumping cholla's name comes from its segments' tendency to detach easily, seemingly "jumping" onto anything that brushes against it.
- From a distance, the jumping cholla can appear soft and fuzzy, resembling a teddy bear, hence one of its common names.