Contents
Description
Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa, commonly known as Buckhorn Cholla or Staghorn Cholla, is a unique plant species found in the southwestern region of North America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family and is well known for its cylindrical stems covered with sharp spines. The plant can grow up to 10 feet in height and 3 feet in width. It is a slow-growing plant that can live for more than 100 years.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cylindropuntia |
Appearance
Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa has a unique appearance with cylindrical stems that grow up to 3 inches in diameter. The stems are covered with numerous sharp spines that can cause severe injury if not handled carefully. The spines are yellow-brown in color and can grow up to 2 inches in length. During the summer months, the plant produces small, yellow-green flowers that bloom at the ends of the stems. The flowers are followed by red, juicy fruits that are edible and sweet.
Care Guide
Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa is a hardy plant that can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions. However, it requires some care to thrive in a garden or landscape setting. Here are some care tips:- Water: The plant requires infrequent watering. Water the plant deeply once every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season.- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Avoid heavy clay soils.- Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa is a relatively disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa is native to the southwestern region of North America, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah. It grows in arid and semi-arid regions, including deserts, chaparral, and grasslands. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa a good plant for xeriscaping?
A: Yes, Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa is an excellent plant for xeriscaping. It requires minimal water and can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions.
Q: Can the fruits of Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruits of Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa are edible and sweet. However, they should be handled with care due to the sharp spines on the plant.
Q: How often should Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa be fertilized?
A: Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa does not require regular fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa?
A: Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Related Plants
– Cylindropuntia Fulgida- Cylindropuntia Imbricata- Cylindropuntia Kleiniae- Cylindropuntia Leptocaulis- Cylindropuntia Versicolor
References
– “Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa.” Cactus Art Nursery. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021. https://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/CYLINDROPUNTIA/Cylindropuntia_acanthocarpa/Cylindropuntia_acanthocarpa/Cylindropuntia_acanthocarpa.htm.- “Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa.” DesertUSA. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021. https://www.desertusa.com/flora/cylindropuntia-acanthocarpa.html.- “Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa.” Plant Finder. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/2747/buckhorn-cholla/.- “Cylindropuntia Acanthocarpa.” World of Succulents. Accessed 22 Sept. 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/cylindropuntia-acanthocarpa-buckhorn-cholla-staghorn-cholla/.
