Scientific name:
Cylindropuntia prolifera
Common name:
Coastal cholla
Range:
Coastal California, from San Bernardino County southwards
Form:
Tall, branched shrub, with a central trunk
Habitat:
Coastal bluffs, inland hills to 1,000 feet elevation
Flowers:
Pink-purple, with yellowish filaments; blooms from April to July
Distribution map for cylindropuntia prolifera
Cylindropuntia prolifera is one of several US cactus species specific to coastal southwest California, and like most cholla it has a branched, shrublike form, sometimes growing taller than other varieties - up to 8 feet. It occurs in a narrow band from the Mexican border northwards to the vicinity of Santa Barbara, and on all of the Channel Islands.
The stout stem segments are typically 5 inches long and up to 2 inches across, thicker than most other types of cholla, with prominent oval tubercles and clusters of six to 12 brownish spines - shorter radials and longer centrals. Spines are relatively short, at most 0.8 inches. Spines become darker as they age.
The deep pink flowers usually sprout from the greenish fruit of the previous season, hence the plant forms short chains of fruit, similar to the jumping cholla of Arizona. Stamens have greenish yellow filaments and yellow anthers.
The stout stem segments are typically 5 inches long and up to 2 inches across, thicker than most other types of cholla, with prominent oval tubercles and clusters of six to 12 brownish spines - shorter radials and longer centrals. Spines are relatively short, at most 0.8 inches. Spines become darker as they age.
The deep pink flowers usually sprout from the greenish fruit of the previous season, hence the plant forms short chains of fruit, similar to the jumping cholla of Arizona. Stamens have greenish yellow filaments and yellow anthers.
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