Wolf's cholla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wolf's cholla |
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Scientific classification | |
Genus: |
Cylindropuntia
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Species: |
wolfii
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Synonyms | |
Opuntia wolfii |
Cylindropuntia wolfii is a type of cactus often called Wolf's cholla. It's a tall, spiky plant that grows in hot, dry desert areas.
Contents
Where Does Wolf's Cholla Grow?
Wolf's cholla is found in the Sonoran Desert. This desert stretches across parts of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico. It likes to grow in dry, rocky places.
What Does Wolf's Cholla Look Like?
Wolf's cholla is a cactus that stands upright. It can grow to be almost 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. It has many thin branches. These branches are made of segments that look like cylinders. They are woolly and yellowish-green.
Spines and Tubercles
The surface of the cactus segments has wide bumps called tubercles. Each tubercle has many brownish spines. These spines can be up to 3 centimeters (about 1.2 inches) long. They help protect the cactus from animals.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the Wolf's cholla are brownish-purple on the outside. Inside, they are yellowish-green. After the flowers, the cactus grows bumpy, spiny fruit. This fruit is dry and can be up to 3 centimeters long.