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Pencil Cholla, Tasajo
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia arbuscula (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth
Synonym: Opuntia arbuscula
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Opuntia arbuscula

Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: USA (Arizona), Mexico (western Sonora) Growth Habits: Shrub, up to 10 feet tall (3 m), segments are up to 0.5 inches in diameter (1.2 cm); tubercles barely visible; areoles slightly elliptical to circular, with abundant glochids, 1 to 4 spines, 0.2 to 1.6 inches long (0.5-4 cm) Watering Needs: The area in which this cactus grows has winter rains as well as summer rains. Propagation: Cuttings

Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers, 1 to 1.2 inches in diameter (2.5-3 cm). Spineless fruits, 0.8 to 1.2 inches long (2-3 cm)