Snake cholla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snake cholla |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cylindropuntia
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| Species: |
californica
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| Synonyms | |
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Opuntia parryi |
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Cylindropuntia californica is a species of cactus known by the common names California cholla, snake cholla, and cane cholla.
Distribution
Cylindropuntia californica is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and other local habitat.
Description
Cylindropuntia californica is a sprawling cactus which can approach 3 meters in maximum height or width. The green or purple-tinged segments are narrow and cylindrical, surfaced in fleshy tubercles bearing many gray or reddish spines up to 3 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow, sometimes tinged with green or purple. The fruit is dry, leathery, greenish or yellow, and up to 2 or 3 centimeters in length.
Varieties
- Cylindropuntia californica var. californica — Santa Ana Mountains, Southern Coast, northern Baja California.
- Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri — 700–1,900 metres (2,300–6,200 ft); Transverse Ranges, Peninsular Ranges, Colorado Desert-chaparral ecotone; northern Baja California.
Images for kids
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The stems on this species can be decumbent or somewhat erect, but it never usually becomes too tall.
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The stems and flowers of Cylindropuntia californica var. californica. Photographed in habitat at an urban canyon of San Diego, CA.
See also
In Spanish: Cylindropuntia californica para niños
