Coastal cholla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coastal cholla |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cylindropuntia
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| Species: |
prolifera
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| Synonyms | |
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Opuntia prolifera |
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The Cylindropuntia prolifera, also known as the Coastal cholla, is a type of cactus. It is a unique plant found in sunny, dry areas.
What it Looks Like
The Coastal cholla is usually a tall, tree-like cactus. It can grow up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) high. Its stems are gray-green and shaped like narrow cylinders. These stems have many fleshy bumps called tubercles. Each tubercle has several brown or reddish spines. These spines can be up to 2 centimeters (about 0.8 inches) long.
The flowers of the Coastal cholla are a pretty reddish-purple color. Interestingly, new flowers often grow right on the fruits from the year before! The fruits themselves are green. They grow in long chains, with up to five fruits connected together.
Where it Grows
The Coastal cholla is native to Southern California and Baja California in Mexico. It likes to grow near the coast. You can find it in different natural areas. These include coastal sage scrub, which is a type of shrubland, and chaparral, another kind of dense shrubland. It also grows on beaches and bluffs overlooking the ocean.
This cactus is found from Santa Barbara County in California and stretches south into Baja California.
See also
- In Spanish: Cylindropuntia prolifera para niños
