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Munz's cholla

Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia munzii

Family: Cactaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Munz's Cholla (Cylindropuntia munzii)

Munz's Cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia munzii, is a unique cactus species native to the southwestern United States and Baja California.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a cholla cactus, Cylindropuntia munzii likely has spines or glochids.

Considerations for Children

  • As a cholla cactus, Cylindropuntia munzii likely has spines or glochids.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia munzii (C.B. Wolf) Backeb.
  • Common Name: Munz's Cholla
  • Synonym: Opuntia munzii
  • Family: Cactaceae (implied, as it's referred to as a cactus)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the hot deserts of Baja California and far southwestern California.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Chuckwalla Bench and the Colorado Desert of Riverside County, east of Palm Springs.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial cactus/succulent.
  • Can grow to be 8 to 15 feet (2.40m to 4.60m) tall.
  • Spreads to 8 to 12 feet (2.40m to 3.60m) wide.
  • Slow growth rate.
  • Requires full sun exposure.

Ecological Role

  • It has one of the most limited distributions of any member of its family.
  • Serves as habitat for burro deer (a subspecies of mule deer) in washes and foothills.
  • Listed as a BLM Sensitive Species.
  • Classified as rare, threatened, or endangered in California (California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3).

Quirky Facts

  • Munz's Cholla is noted for being the tallest cactus in California, with the exception of a few wild saguaros.
  • It's considered "worth the time and expense" to see, indicating it's a notable sight in its native environment.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • A silver cholla has been observed as a hybrid parent of Munz's cholla.
  • Its presence is associated with specific plant communities like the Blue Palo Verde - Ironwood / Munz's cholla community and Teddy-bear Cholla Shrubland.

Further Information

  • California Native Plant Society
  • CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants
  • USDA
  • CalPhotos
  • Dave's Garden
  • Anza-Borrego State Park website for information on Chollas