The Santa Fe Cholla, botanically identified as Cylindropuntia imbricata var. viridiflora or Cylindropuntia x viridiflora, is a distinctive cactus notable for its appearance in the Southwestern United States. This plant stands out as a unique component of the high desert landscape, particularly within its limited native range, adding to the rich biodiversity of arid regions.
Identifying Santa Fe Cholla
The Santa Fe Cholla typically exhibits a shrubby, branched growth habit, often reaching about 3 feet in height and spreading up to 5 feet wide. Its stems are cylindrical and segmented, appearing somewhat stout. These segments are covered with elongated tubercles, which are small, raised bumps, each bearing an areole from which spines emerge.
Spines on the Santa Fe Cholla are generally brownish and can be 2 to 2.5 centimeters long, often featuring a pale-purplish, pinkish, or brownish loose sheath. The plant’s flowers are a key identification feature, displaying an apricot color with distinctive green centers. These blooms, measuring about 2 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter, appear in late spring or early summer, typically in June or July.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Santa Fe Cholla is localized in its natural distribution, primarily found in a restricted area north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This specific variety thrives in gravelly hillsides and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
The plant’s habitat typically lies at altitudes ranging from approximately 5,800 to 7,200 feet (1,770 to 2,200 meters) above sea level. These conditions highlight its adaptation to arid, high-altitude environments. While the broader Cylindropuntia imbricata species spans a wider range across the Southwestern United States, the Santa Fe Cholla’s presence is concentrated within this New Mexican landscape.
Unique Characteristics and Ecological Role
The Santa Fe Cholla’s flowers, with their apricot hue and striking green centers, set them apart from the more common magenta or purple blooms of other Cylindropuntia imbricata varieties. These flowers are followed by yellowish, firm, and persistent fruits that remain on the plant through the winter months.
Reproduction occurs through both seeds and the rooting of detached stem joints, allowing the plant to spread within its environment. The Santa Fe Cholla plays a role in its ecosystem by providing cover for small animals. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while its fruits serve as a food source for various wild birds and mammals, including pronghorn and deer.
Interacting with Santa Fe Cholla
Interacting with Santa Fe Cholla requires caution due to its barbed spines, which can easily penetrate skin and often detach with the stem segment upon contact. It is advisable to observe these plants from a distance to avoid accidental contact.
Should spines become embedded in the skin, several removal methods can be used:
A fine-toothed comb can gently flick away larger pieces of the cactus.
Tweezers are effective for individual spines or tiny, hard-to-see barbs.
Applying adhesive tape, such as duct tape, to the affected area and then pulling it off can help extract smaller glochids.
If spines are deeply embedded or cause significant discomfort, seeking medical attention is a practical step.