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tree cholla
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea
Family: Cactaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Cane Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
The Cane Cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia imbricata, is a distinctive cactus species native to the Southwestern United States. It is known by a variety of common names, reflecting its diverse appearances and regional presence.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is spiny, described as "equally spiny" to the prickly pear.
- The Cane Cholla's cylindrical stem segments are joined end-to-end, potentially posing a hazard if broken off.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is spiny, described as "equally spiny" to the prickly pear.
- The Cane Cholla's cylindrical stem segments are joined end-to-end, potentially posing a hazard if broken off.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia imbricata (Haw.) F.M. Knuth
- Synonym: Opuntia imbricata
- Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
- Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
- Taxonomic Rank: Species; variety imbricata
- Group: Dicot
Common Names
- Cane Cholla
- Walking Stick Cholla
- Tree Cholla
- Chainlink Cactus
- Tree Cactus
- Candalabrum Cactus
- Devil's Rope
- Coyote Prickly Pear
- Tuna Juell
- Velas de Coyote
- Cane Cactus
- Walkingstick Cholla
- Giant Tree Cholla
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Southwestern United States.
- Frequently found in New Mexico, often surrounded by grasses and low-growing plants.
- Observed near the Rio Grande and in locations such as Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, New Mexico.
- Prominently featured in the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park, Southern California, and the Colorado Desert.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth habit varies from ground creepers and shrubs to trees.
- Height ranges from less than a foot to as much as 15 feet.
- Cylindrical stem segments joined end-to-end in a branching, tree-like manner.
- Shrubby when young, maturing to a tree form with a woody trunk.
- Leaves are reduced to spines, up to 1 inch in length.
- Reproduces when stem joints fall to the ground and take root.
Quirky Facts
- The diversity of shape of the Cholla cactus is interesting, as it can appear as a creeper, shrub, or tree.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bees are known to visit the flowers of the Cylindropuntia imbricata.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life: Provides distributions and articles.
- Dave's Garden: A community-driven platform for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Home to the Cholla Cactus Garden.