Diamond cholla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diamond cholla |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cylindropuntia
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| Species: |
ramosissima
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| Synonyms | |
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Opuntia ramosissima |
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Cylindropuntia ramosissima is a special kind of cactus. People often call it the diamond cholla or the branched pencil cholla. It gets these names because of its unique shape and the way its branches look.
Where the Diamond Cholla Lives
The diamond cholla cactus is found in the dry, hot areas of the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert. These deserts are located in the Southwestern United States, especially in California. You can also find this cactus in Northwestern Mexico, including Baja California and its small islands like Islas San Benito. It loves these warm, sunny places!
What the Diamond Cholla Looks Like
This cactus can grow in different ways. Sometimes it lies low on the ground, but it can also stand tall like a small tree. It can reach up to 2 meters (about 6 feet) high!
The diamond cholla has many thin branches. These branches are made of cylinder-shaped parts. They start out green, but as they get older, they turn a grayish color. The surface of the branches has flat, square bumps called tubercles. These bumps might have only a few spines, or sometimes no spines at all. Often, you'll see just one long, straight spine sticking out.
The flowers of the diamond cholla are quite small. They can be orange, pink, or even brownish. After the flower, a small, dry fruit grows. This fruit is spiny and can be up to 2 centimeters long.
Images for kids
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