Cylindropuntia fulgida aka Jumping Cholla

Cylindropuntia fulgida has two common names: chainfruit cholla and jumping cholla. It belongs to Cactaceae, the cactus family. Its native range spans Arizona and northwestern Mexico. It grows in desert scrub, grassland, and open thorn scrub. It lives on sandy flats, rocky slopes, and disturbed ground. Plants can form large stands in the open desert.

This succulent shrub can grow like a small tree. It stands about 5–11.5 feet [1.5–3.5 metres] tall. Larger plants may reach 13 feet [4 metres]. Its spread can reach 8 feet [2.4 metres]. One main trunk branches near the ground, forming a broad crown. The stems range from pale green to grey-green. They have clear, round joints with raised bumps beneath sharp spines. Older stems shed spines, showing dark brown-black bark. The bark grows rough and scaly with age. Sheaths cover the young spines. They look pale, straw-coloured or silvery-yellow, then darken with age.

Pink flowers open at joint tips in midsummer. They also grow at the tips of older fruits. The green fruits have soft flesh and wrinkled skin. They are round or pear-shaped, with few spines. They are often sterile. The fruits stay on the plant as new flowers grow. These flowers sprout from their areoles, or small growth points. More fruit forms from those flowers, making chains that hang down. These chains give the plant much of its distinct shape. Animals eat the fruit in times of drought. These include bighorn sheep.

Gardeners grow this cactus in dry sites for its branched form. It copes with drought and needs little care. It can form a barrier or give wildlife cover. Desert birds nest in it, and small mammals find shelter. Loose joints fall off and can take root. Contact can break joints off, too. They cling to animals that pass by. This helps new plants grow beyond the parent plant. It has spread from gardens in Australia and South Africa. It has become invasive in both places.

People can eat stems, flower buds, and fruits after careful preparation. People have also used plant parts in folk medicine. Those uses do not prove that it treats illness. Barbed spines and glochids make this plant risky to handle. Spines cause pain and can be hard to remove. Glochids cause strong irritation. Cooking does not remove that risk. To harvest, use tools and wear clothes that protect you. Clean the plant parts well after harvest.