Jumping cholla (Cylindropuntia fulgida, Nye kaktusbog: 131 (1930))

Family: Cactaceae

Author: (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth

Bibliography: Nye kaktusbog: 131 (1930)

Year: 1930

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cylindropuntia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Arizona to NW. Mexico (to Chihuahua)

Description

Jumping cholla, scientifically known as Cylindropuntia fulgida, is a notable member of the Cactaceae family. This fascinating plant derives its common name from the ease with which segments of the cactus can detach if touched, seemingly “jumping” to attach to anything that brushes against it. This unique characteristic ensures its propagation, as the detached segments can take root in their new location.

Cylindropuntia fulgida is native to the arid regions extending from Arizona to the northwestern parts of Mexico, including the state of Chihuahua. Its natural habitat consists of desert environments where it flourishes in well-draining soils and under harsh, dry conditions. The plant is well-adapted to these arid landscapes, equipped to survive extreme temperatures and prolonged periods without water.

The Jumping cholla’s appearance is distinguished by its cylindrical joints, covered in a dense array of spines that provide both protection from herbivores and a means of shading its surfaces to prevent water loss. The spines are barbed, allowing them to cling stubbornly to any surface they contact, which can be a painful experience for the unwary.

During the blooming season, this cactus produces small, pinkish to white flowers that add a delicate contrast to its otherwise formidable exterior. These flowers later give way to fruits that are typically green and bear a striking resemblance to small, spiny pineapples. Interestingly, the fruits themselves are often covered in spines and can also contribute to the plant’s spread as they fall and root.

First scientifically documented in Nye kaktusbog in 1930 by (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth, Cylindropuntia fulgida continues to be an object of study and fascination for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its ability to thrive in hostile environments and its unique method of propagation make it a remarkable specimen within the diverse world of cacti.

Common Names

Eng: jumping cholla, sonoran jumping cholla, boxing-glove cactus, boxing-glove cholla, brinkadora, chain-fruit cholla, club cactus, smooth chain-fruit cholla
Afr: roseakaktus
En: Jumping cholla, Sonoran jumping cholla, Boxing-glove cactus, Boxing-glove cholla, Brinkadora, Chain-fruit cholla, Club cactus, Smooth chain-fruit cholla
Af: Roseakaktus

Synonyms

• Grusonia fulgida ((Engelm.) G.D.Rowley)
• Opuntia fulgida (Engelm.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Botswana (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jul 22, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 22, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2021 by Mahmoud moualek (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by genesis gutierrez (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 19, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Almeida Cilene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2021 by gonzales hilary (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 28, 2021 by Almeida Cilene (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2022 by salver mily (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2021 by Deivy Santiago Ramseg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Gibran Cooper Wolowits (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2022 by Crispim Marla (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by caula nuñez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by صالح ن (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2021 by villarroel mibsan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by High Garden (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by wm william (cc-by-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7282673)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:73863-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cylindropuntia fulgida (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth)

Specifications

Growth