Snyder Preserve - Cylindropuntia leptocaulis

Family: Cactaceae
 
Compound: Cyl lep
 
Synonyms: Opuntia leptocaulis
 
Geographic Origin: southwestern US, northern Mexico
 
Characteristics: A shrubby or treelike cholla typically between 0.6-1.5m (2-5ft) tall, with many slender, cylindrical, segmented and jointed stems. Stems intertwine with each other and with other plants in the surrounding area resulting in an impenetrable mass of spiny stems. Stems are dark green in color but can turn red when sun stressed. With age, stems develop a scaly tan to brown bark. Each stem has linear tubercles with broadly elliptical areoles covered in short yellow-white and yellow-rusty brown glochids. Areoles near the apex contain solitary concentrated or unevenly distributed spines which may be yellow-white or red-brown. Spines are angularly flattened basally, and either straight or curved. Yellow, green, or bronze flowers are produced at maturity, during late springtime but occasionally into the fall. The flowers are approximately 2.5cm (1in) in diameter and open late in the afternoon to attract certain pollinators. The petals curl backwards when the flower is fully open. Fertilized flowers develop into red-orange fruits that persist on the cactus well into the winter. The fruit is small, only 12mm (0.5in) long by 8mm (0.2in) wide. They are fleshy and smooth, dotted by areoles which lack large spines but possess numerous glochids.
 
Natural History: Found from 0-1524m (0-5000ft) in flats, on alluvial fans and slopes in deserts, desert grasslands, and higher into grassland, chaparral and woodland communities. Prefers loamy to sandy or gravelly soils. Because the flowers of the Christmas cactus open later in the afternoon, hawk moths are likely pollinators, and hummingbirds frequently visit their blooms.
 
Cultivation Notes: Though typically not used in landscaping, this plant should not be overlooked for native wildlife gardens because of the shelter and food it provides to small animals. It also may work well as a barrier to keep unwanted people and animals out of an area due to its dense spines. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, tolerates extremely cold temperatures, and requires very little water. They are easily propagated like other species of cacti. Both cuttings and seeds are good ways to propagate this species, though cuttings may be easier. Use tools when handling cuttings and allow cuts to heal and dry before placing in a well-draining soil and beginning to water a week later.
 
For general cactus and succulent propagation information, click here
 
Ethnobotany: Fruits were eaten raw and used as a sweetener in alcoholic beverages.
 
Citations:
 
Turner, Raymond M, et al. Sonoran Desert Plants: An Ecological Atlas. University of Arizona Press, 1995.
 
Anderson, Edward F. The Cactus Family. 1st ed., Timber Press Incorporated, 2001.
 
Lliffle. 
 
World of Succulents. 
 
Useful Temperate Plants. 
 
Southwest Desert Flora. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
 
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved June 22, 2024.