Cactaceae

Cylindropuntia species

Common Names: Cylindropuntia cacti

Plant Form: Very large succulent perennials. Size: Up to 3 m tall. Stem: Small upright trunk, and segmented pads (cladodes) that are fleshy, densely spiny, and often deeply fissured. Flowers: Pink or purplish to red on ends of stems. Only occasionally present. Fruit and Seeds: Cone or egg shaped, fleshy, smooth, only occasionally present. Habitat: Rangelands, grasslands, woodlands, riverbanks. Distinguishing Features: Combination of features distinguish from other cacti like succulents. Impacts: Forms dense thickets restricting stock, human movement or water access, spines can injure animals or humans.