Flolape

Whipple cholla

Cylindropuntia whipplei (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) F.M.Knuth
Whipple cholla
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Cylindropuntia whipplei, known as Whipple cholla, is a species in the Cactaceae family. It was first described in 1936 by F.M.Knuth, based on earlier work by Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow. This cactus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in desert and arid environments.

Description

Whipple cholla is a shrubby cactus characterized by its cylindrical stems and spiny structure. It typically forms dense, branching clusters and is adapted to hot, dry climates. The species is named after the botanist John Gill Lemmon, who collected the type specimen. It is found in regions such as California, Nevada, Arizona, and Baja California. The plant produces yellowish-green flowers and small, dry fruits typical of the Cactaceae family. It is often distinguished from other cholla species by its specific morphological features, including stem shape and spine arrangement.

Other common names

Whipple cholla

Synonyms

Opuntia whippleiGrusonia whipplei

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