Christmas cactus (Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, Nye kaktusbog: 131 (1930))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (DC.) F.M.Knuth

Bibliography: Nye kaktusbog: 131 (1930)

Year: 1930

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cylindropuntia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Oklahoma to Mexico

Description

The Christmas cactus, known scientifically as Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, is a distinctive member of the Cactaceae family. This remarkable plant has been a subject of fascination and study, beautifully documented in the “Nye kaktusbog: 131” published in 1930 by the author F.M. Knuth.

Native to a region stretching from Oklahoma in the United States down to Mexico, the Christmas cactus thrives in a range of climates and landscapes. It is particularly noted for its resilience in arid conditions, where it stands out with its unique cylindrical-shaped segments and striking spiny appearance.

The Christmas cactus garners its common name from its typical blooming period around the festive season, though this can vary based on habitat and growing conditions. The plant’s vibrant flowers add a burst of color to its otherwise stark and spiny structure, making it a popular ornamental choice for both desert gardens and holiday decorations.

A closer examination reveals that Cylindropuntia leptocaulis is well-adapted to its native environment. The spines, which can be quite sharp, serve the dual purpose of deterring herbivores and providing some shade to reduce water loss. This adaptation is especially vital for a species thriving in the often harsh environments from Oklahoma’s plains to Mexico’s desert regions.

In the wild, the Christmas cactus contributes to its ecosystem by providing food and shelter for various wildlife. Birds and insects often visit its flowers, while its dense spiny structure offers a refuge for small animals seeking protection from predators.

Cultivating the Christmas cactus outside its native range can be a rewarding endeavor for plant enthusiasts. It requires well-draining soil, minimal watering, and plenty of sunlight to mimic its natural environment. When given proper care, the Christmas cactus can flourish in both indoor and outdoor garden settings, bringing a touch of festive cheer and a bit of the desert’s austere beauty to homes and landscapes around the world.

Through attentive study and cultivation, we can continue to appreciate and protect this fascinating species, ensuring that the Christmas cactus remains a vibrant part of our botanical heritage.

Common Names

Eng: christmas cactus, christmas cholla, desert christmas cactus, desert christmas cholla, pencil cactus, pencil cholla, rat-tail cactus, slender-stem cactus, tasajillo, tesajo cactus
Spa: alfilerillo, catalinaria, tasajillo, tasajo
Swe: pennopuntia
En: Christmas cactus, Christmas cholla, Desert Christmas cactus, Desert Christmas cholla, Pencil cactus, Pencil cholla, Rat-tail cactus, Slender-stem cactus, Tasajillo, Tesajo cactus
Es: Alfilerillo, Catalinaria, Tasajillo, Tasajo
Sv: Pennopuntia
: Christmas trefle

Synonyms

• Opuntia leptocaulis var. vaginata ((Engelm.) S.Watson)
• Cylindropuntia leptocaulis f. longispina ((Engelm.) Guiggi)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. longispina ((Engelm.) A.Berger)
• Cylindropuntia leptocaulis var. longispina ((Engelm.) F.M.Knuth)
• Opuntia leptocaulis (DC.)
• Cylindropuntia mortolensis ((Britton & Rose) F.M.Knuth)
• Opuntia stipata (K.Schum.)
• Opuntia ramulifera (Salm-Dyck)
• Opuntia leptocaulis f. vaginata ((Engelm.) Schelle)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. robustior (A.Berger)
• Opuntia gracilis (Pfeiff.)
• Opuntia vaginata (Engelm.)
• Cylindropuntia brittonii ((J.G.Ortega) Backeb.)
• Opuntia gracilis var. subpatens (Salm-Dyck)
• Opuntia mortolensis (Britton & Rose)
• Opuntia virgata (Pfeiff.)
• Opuntia frutescens var. longispina (Engelm.)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. pluriseta (A.Berger)
• Opuntia frutescens var. brevispina (Engelm.)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. brevispina ((Engelm.) S.Watson)
• Opuntia leptocaulis f. brevispina ((Engelm.) Schelle)
• Opuntia leptocaulis f. longispina ((Engelm.) Schelle)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. brittonii ((J.G.Ortega) Bravo)
• Opuntia fragilis var. frutescens (Engelm. & A.Gray)
• Opuntia brittonii (J.G.Ortega)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. badia (A.Berger)
• Opuntia leptocaulis var. stipata (J.M.Coult.)
• Cylindropuntia leptocaulis var. glauca (Backeb.)
• Opuntia frutescens (Engelm.)
• Grusonia leptocaulis ((DC.) G.D.Rowley)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Texas (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 22, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by Coli Bri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by tonatiuh_1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2021 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2020 by Sergio Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by KP Laer (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7282605)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:73874-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (DC.) F.M.Knuth)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth