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walkingstick cactus

Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia spinosior

Family: Cactaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cylindropuntia: The Fascinating World of Cholla Cacti

Let's explore the world of Cylindropuntia, a genus of cacti that includes some truly unique and intriguing plants. This content will focus primarily on Cylindropuntia imbricata and Cylindropuntia spinosior, two well-known species within this group.

Considerations for Pets

  • These cacti are known for their spiny nature, which could pose a hazard to curious pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The presence of thorns or spines is a significant consideration, as children may be tempted to touch or handle the cacti.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia imbricata (Cane Cholla/Walking Stick Cholla/Tree Cholla/Chainlink Cactus) and Cylindropuntia spinosior (Walkingstick Cactus/Cane Cholla)
  • Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
  • Synonyms: Opuntia spinosior

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cylindropuntia imbricata is found in the Southwestern United States.
  • Cylindropuntia spinosior is found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Southeast Colorado and is considered a high desert/plains habitat plant.
  • It has also been seen in Botanical Garden in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Some species, like the Tree Cholla, can grow up to 8 feet tall and assume a tree-like form.
  • Can be ornamental in small containers, even though some may grow up to 2m tall.

Ecological Role

  • Cylindropuntia spinosior suffers a "bad rep" (further details not specified).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Walking Stick Cholla's dried out skeletons show a 'laticework design', which may indicate interaction with other organisms.

Edibility

  • The ripe, yellow fruits of Cylindropuntia spinosior are edible.
  • Most cactus fruits found in Arizona are also edible.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "Walking Stick Cholla" derives from the plant's historical use; dead cholla stems can be used to create walking sticks.

Resources

  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cylindropuntia spinosior.
  • Northeastern University has specimens and information about Cylindropuntia spinosior.