Flolape

coastal cholla

Cylindropuntia prolifera (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth
coastal cholla
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Cylindropuntia prolifera (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth is a cactus species in the Cactaceae family, commonly known as coastal cholla. It is native to Middle America, North America, and parts of Australia, with a broader global distribution. In Australia, it is sometimes referred to as 'Jumping Cholla' due to its tendency to appear in new locations.

Description

Cylindropuntia prolifera is found in regions such as California, the Canary Islands, Mexican Pacific Islands, Mexico Northwest, South Australia, and Spain. It was first described in 1936. The species is characterized by its spiny, segmented stems typical of the Cactaceae family. It has been observed to spread rapidly, giving rise to its nickname in Australia. The species is part of the genus Cylindropuntia, which includes several cholla cacti known for their branching growth patterns and spiny structures.

Other common names

coastal cholla

Distribution

Middle America · North America · AU · Global · California · Canary Is. · Mexican Pacific Is. · Mexico Northwest · South Australia · Spain

Synonyms

Opuntia proliferaGrusonia prolifera

Related species