Cylindropuntia bernardina
Cylindropuntia bernardina (Engelm. ex Parish) M.A.Baker
Cylindropuntia bernardina, known as the cane cholla or valley cholla, is a species of cholla cactus in the Cactaceae family. It is native to California and northwestern Baja California, growing up to 2–3 meters tall. The species occurs in the foothills of the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges, parts of the Sonoran Desert, and the Coast Ranges, with some populations near the Cuyama River. Previously classified as the variety parkeri of Cylindropuntia californica, it was later reclassified as a distinct species, C. bernardina. Genetic studies indicate it is more closely related to Cylindropuntia ganderi than to C. californica.
Description
Cylindropuntia bernardina is an erect cholla cactus that forms part of the Cactaceae family. It is found in California and northwestern Baja California, inhabiting foothills, the Sonoran Desert, and the Coast Ranges. The plant typically reaches heights of 2–3 meters. Formerly considered a variety of Cylindropuntia californica, it is now recognized as a separate species. Research has shown that it shares a closer genetic relationship with Cylindropuntia ganderi. The species was formally described in 2018 and named after the botanist Bernardina. It is commonly referred to as the cane cholla or valley cholla.
Distribution
California · Mexico Northwest
Synonyms
Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeriCylindropuntia californica subsp. parkeriOpuntia californica var. parkeriOpuntia echinocarpa var. parkeriOpuntia bernardinaOpuntia parkeriOpuntia parryi var. bernardina
