Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
CYLINDROPUNTIA fulgida
Plant Common Name
Chainfruit Cholla, Jumping Cholla
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
An upright branching cactus with warty, spined stems, the chainfruit cholla often displays drooping, segmented stem clusters of green fruits. This succulent cactus tolerates mild subfreezing temperatures and excessive drought and heat in summer. Its native to central Arizona southward into the Mexican state of Sonora. If you brush up against this cactus, the segmented fruits left on the stems pop or "jump" off.
Rather than display any leaves, this cactus photosynthesizes light in its bumpy stems. As the plant ages and attain size, its singular trunk displays scaly dark brown bark. Numerous upright branches fork off from the top of the trunk. The stems are covered in overlapping clusters of yellow-silver spines. With the stem and spines, the chainfruit cholla looks bluish-green to yellow-green. Anytime from late spring to midsummer, bold rosy-pink flowers occur on stem joint tips or on old, retained fruits. The blossoms are followed by oval to pear-shaped green fruits that cling to the stems, looking like chains. The fruits remain on the stems, creating segments and a more picturesque, irregular plant silhouette.
Grow chainfruit cholla in full to partial sun in a very well-drained sandy to sandy loam soil. A gritty soil enriched with organic matter also suffices. During the intense light and heat of summer, water to keep the soil barely moist and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. From fall to spring, keep the soil even drier. Grow the chainfruit cholla in a mixed succulent border or rockery as a vertical accent specimen. When the plant is small and young, it may be grown as a houseplant or in a patio container. It is an excellent addition to a naturalistic desert or xeriscape landscape.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 12
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Sunset Zone
10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-10' / 1.2m - 3.0m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Hot Pink, Rose, Bronze
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Fruit Color
Green
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Bark Color
Gray Green, Chocolate
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
