Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
agujilla, clavellina cholla
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Cylindropuntia molesta
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The clavellina cholla belongs to the cactus family, and exhibits characteristics common to that family. It can grow up to 7 feet tall at maturity. The stems have a gray-greenish color and can sometimes be glaucous. Each stem extends to about 1 foot long and about 1 inch wide (3,4). Stems are clavate (thicker at one end, like a club) and connect to form joints with adjacent stems. Each stem has low, broad tubercles. Areolas are elliptical in shape, and contain yellow wool, pale spines and tan-colored glochids. The spines attached to these areoles arranged in groups of 4-11 per areole, are covered in loose papery sheaths and, though unequal, can reach 1.2 inches in length (3,4). Spines have an orange tinted base but become more straw-colored toward the spine tip. Secondary spines are generally few, finer than primary spines, and range from 2-7 per areole. The flowers can be brown-yellow or sometimes maroon. They are very showy, growing about 1 inch in length. The fruits that develop from these flowers are ovoid and green, becoming yellow at maturity. They are about 1.5 inches long with a deeply depressed apex, and are usually spineless but can sometimes have spines (3,4).
Compound:
Cyl mol
Geographic Origin:
Baja California
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The clavellina cholla grows and is native to desert and coastal sage scrub communities. This range includes parts of Mexico from Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Tortuga Island (4). This cactus is well adapted for vegetative dispersal. The plant has barbed spines to help with attachment, and the stem segments easily detach from the plant at the clavate joints. It grows in volcanic, sandy and gravelly soils. While the species in not abundant, it is not considered threatened (4).
Cultivation Notes:
The clavellina cholla makes a great addition to a cactus garden. It is usually grown as a horticultural specimen plant due to its striking appearance. This cactus can be propagated by seeds and stem (2,3).
Ethnobotany:
Unlike other cholla species, the clavellina cholla is not widely used for medicine, food, or fiber. However, it is popular as a landscape ornamental. Its cylindrical, densely spined and distinctly jointed stems add interest to a cactus garden. Further, the plant is easy to cultivate, and uses very little water.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
