buck-horn cholla

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) F.M.Knuth

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, known as buck-horn cholla, is a species of cholla cactus found in the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado Deserts. It is one of the most common cholla species in these regions, often occurring alongside Cylindropuntia bigelovii. The plant is native to North America, particularly in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah, as well as in the Mexico Northwest area.

Description

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa belongs to the Cactaceae family and is a member of the genus Cylindropuntia. It was first described in 1936 and is widely distributed across desert regions of North America. This species is adapted to arid environments and is a prominent feature of the desert flora in its native range.