Jumping cholla
Cylindropuntia fulgida

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A cactus. It is like a tree. It has many branches and a spreading crown. It is 1-3 m high. The trunks are branching. The stem segments are spiny all over. They are grey-green but turn blackish. The end segments are easily removed. They are 6-23 cm long and 2-3.5 cm wide. The flowers are pink to red and open in the late afternoon. The fruit are a cone shape and in long chains hanging down. They are fleshy, grey-green and almost without spines. They are 2-5.5 cm long by 1.3-4.5 cm wide.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in woodland and on rocky hills. It needs full sun. It needs temperatures above 10°C. It will tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. It suits hardiness zones 7-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Mexico, North America, South Africa, USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can also be used in jellies and drinks. The buds, fruit and joints are baked in a pit then eaten. A gummy sap from the stem can be eaten raw. It is also boiled, roasted or mixed with water to make a drink.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from joints which drop off. Plants can be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Boxing-glove cactus, Boxing-glove cholla, Brinkadora, Chain-fruit cholla, Club cactus, Smooth chain-fruit cholla, Sonoran jumping cholla

Synonyms

Cylindropuntia fulgida f cristata P. V. Heath; Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata (Schott) Backeberg; Opuntia fulgida Engelmann; Opuntia mamillata Schott ex Engelm.; Opuntia fulgida var. mamillata (Schott) J.M. Coulter;