Photographs of Cacti of Big Bend National Park

The long thin stems of this opuntia cactus are at most half an inch across but the sharp and thick spines may exceed 2 inches, and are easily detached on contact. The plant forms a low shrub that seeks out larger bushes for protection, and is widespread in all low to medium elevation areas of the park, and indeed across most other Southwest states. Flowers are yellowish and quite small, while the fruits are bright red and appear in midwinter, hence the common name of Christmas cholla.

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