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Whipple cholla

Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia whipplei

Family: Cactaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Whipple Cholla (Cylindropuntia whipplei)

The Whipple Cholla is a fascinating cactus found in the American Southwest. Its unique growth habits and striking appearance make it a noteworthy plant.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has spines that the Zuni people rub off the fruit before drying.
  • Cholla cactus are known for having spines.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant has spines that the Zuni people rub off the fruit before drying.
  • Cholla cactus are known for having spines.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia whipplei (Engelm. & J.M. Bigelow) F.M. Knuth
  • Common Names: Whipple Cholla, Plateau Cholla, Rattail Cholla, Whipple's Cactus, Cane Cactus, Jumping Cholla
  • Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Opuntia whipplei Engelmann &amp J. M. Bigelow
    • Cylindropuntia hualpaensis Backeberg
    • C. whipplei var. (unspecified)
    • Opuntia whipplei/imbricata

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the west and southwest USA, particularly northern Arizona and the Four Corners region.
  • Found in semi-desert and foothill environments, often in open areas.
  • Observed at Carpenter Natural Area and Hawkins Natural Area.
  • Reportedly the only cholla in southern Utah.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A large, branching shrub-like cactus, typically 2 to 4 feet in height.
  • Characterized by one to several main stems with numerous short stem segments.
  • Features yellow flowers that bloom in the spring to early summer.

Quirky Facts

  • The species name "whipplei" honors Amiel Wicks Whipple (1818-1863), an engineer for surveys of the United States/Mexico boundary in 1853-1856.
  • The Zuni people rub the spines off the fruit and then dry it.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Observed interaction with Coreid (possibly Narnia snowi) on Whipple Cholla fruit.

Additional Resources

  • Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
  • Colorado Plateau Archives