Cylindropuntia leptocaulis
Desert Christmas Cholla
OʼodhamAj Wipinoi
Description
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis is a low, shrubby cholla cactus that grows at 1500 to 3500 ft elevation near washes and in protected areas that hold extra soil moisture. The plant may have short spines or very long spines that release papery sheaths in the Spring. Pale yellow green flowers open late in the afternoon and lead to spiny red fruit that ripen near yearˊs end. Also see Cylindropuntia arbuscula.
