Family: Cactaceae
Author: (Lehm.) F.M.Knuth
Bibliography: Nye kaktusbog: 132 (1930)
Year: 1930
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cylindropuntia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Texas to Mexico
Description
Sheathed cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia tunicata, is an intriguing species within the diverse Cactaceae family. This resilient plant thrives predominantly in the arid regions spanning from southwest Texas to Mexico, where it has adapted robustly to the harsh climatic conditions.
First described in 1930 in Nye kaktusbog, the Sheathed cholla stands out among its peers due to its distinctive characteristics. The botanical authority (Lehm.) F.M.Knuth provided a thorough account which has since become a valuable reference for botanists and cactus enthusiasts alike.
The Cylindropuntia tunicata features segmented, cylindrical joints that are not overtly large, giving it a somewhat restrained yet strikingly sculptural appearance. Each segment of the plant is enveloped in a dense sheath of fine spines, which is a defining trait leading to its common name. These spines serve both as a protective mechanism against herbivores and a means to reduce water loss—an essential adaptation for survival in hot, arid environments.
The Sheathed cholla produces small, vibrant flowers that range in color, typically blossoming during the warmer months. These blossoms eventually give way to fruit that is also covered in spines, ensuring the plant’s reproductive cycle is as safeguarded as its perennial form.
Though often encountered by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in its native habitats, it’s crucial to observe these plants with respect, given their ecological role in conserving soil and providing shelter for various desert fauna. In addition to its biological importance, Cylindropuntia tunicata also possesses an aesthetic appeal, making it a sought-after species for xeriscaping and conservation gardens focused on drought-tolerant plant collections.
In summary, the Sheathed cholla, Cylindropuntia tunicata, encapsulates the rugged beauty and adaptability of desert flora, standing as a testament to the complex ecosystems of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Common Names
Spa: abrojo, clavellina
Swe: barropuntia
Eng: sheathed cholla
En: Sheathed cholla
Es: Abrojo, Clavellina
Sv: Barropuntia
Synonyms
- Opuntia exuviata (DC.)
- Opuntia tunicata var. chilensis ((F.Ritter) A.E.Hoffm.)
- Opuntia tunicata var. laevior (Salm-Dyck)
- Opuntia furiosa (H.L.Wendl.)
- Opuntia exuviata var. viridior (Salm-Dyck)
- Cylindropuntia tunicata var. aricensis (F.Ritter)
- Cactus tunicatus (Lehm.)
- Opuntia exuviata var. spinosior (DC.)
- Opuntia exuviata var. angustior (DC.)
- Cylindropuntia tunicata var. chilensis (F.Ritter)
- Opuntia puelchana (A.Cast.)
- Opuntia stapeliae (DC.)
- Opuntia tunicata ((Lehm.) Pfeiff.)
- Grusonia tunicata ((Lehm.) G.D.Rowley)
Distribution
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Texas (native)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Bolivia (introduced)
- Canary Is. (introduced)
- Chile North (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Peru (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- South Australia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Victoria (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Priestess Quest Music (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2020 by Leia Sutton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 23, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 6, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 2021 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Miguel Ángel Jimenez (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 16, 2021 by mitri mitri (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by rodon xavier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Céréales Killer (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Gentilini Erika (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7282418)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:73905-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cylindropuntia tunicata (Lehm.) F.M.Knuth)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub