Opuntia fulgida (Cholla Gum, Jumping Cholla)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesfulgida
SynonymsCylindropuntia fulgida
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginArizona, United States of America.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA small tree with many drooping branches covered in a dense layer of spine and small white and pink flowers streaked with lavender. A spectacular tree with its branched chains of fruit.
CultivationSandy soils.
HabitatDesert valleys, plains, washes and low hills at an altitude of 300-1,350 m.
Leaf DescriptionDense spines that obscure the branches, pink or reddish-brown in colour, 6-12 per areole, spread in all directions, 2-3 cm in length.
Flower DescriptionSmall, 2 cm in diameter, pink and white flowers streaked with lavender, white to pink filaments 4.5 mm in length and 1 mm long anthers.
Fruit DescriptionGreen, fleshy, smooth and obovoid, spineless, 2-2.5 cm in diameter. Fruit can persist for over 22 years and form long branched chains, adding a new fruit each year.

Photographs