Munz Cholla
(Opuntia munzii )
Cactaceae

Photo Copyright 2003 J.S. Peterson. USDA NRCS NPDC

Description: Shrub to tree-like, 6.4 - 12.8 feet (2-4 meters) tall, almost as wide. Main trunk 4-6 inches (10-15cm) thick. Stem succulent. Lower branches rather bare. Tubercles (small, wart-like projections) strongly raised, 3/8 - 5/8 inches (10-16mm) long, 2/8 inch (5-6mm) wide. Areoles (area bearing spines) with short, tan bristles, and 10-12 yellowish, somewhat equal spines, 3/8 - 5/8 inches (1-2cm) long. Flowers few. Petals yellowish-green, 5/8 - 6/8 inches (1.5-2cm) long. Fruit is dry. Seeds are somewhat rounded, 1/8 inch (3mm).

Distribution:

Habitat: Dry, gravelly or sandy places. Creosote bush scrub. Elevation 480 - 1,920 feet (150-600 meters).

Flowering Period: Blooms May.

Similar Plants:

Status: BLM Sensitive, California Native Plant Society List 1B