Teddy Bear Cholla, Choya Güera (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)

Teddy Bear Cholla, Choya Güera
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia bigelovii (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth
Synonym: Opuntia bigelovii, Opuntia ciribe, Opuntia bigelovii var. ciribe
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 10-13

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 5°F (-15°C)
Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C)
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Mojave and Colorado deserts of USA (Arizona, California) and Mexico (Sonora)
Growth Habits: Shrubby cactus up to 8 feet tall (2.4 m), generally around 4 feet tall (1.2 m), well defined trunk; tuberculate segments 2 to 8 inches long (5-20 cm), 2 inches in diameter (5 cm);small yellow glochids; 6 to 10 barbed spines, 0.8 to 1.2 inches long (2-3 cm).
Watering Needs: Little to no water when established
Propagation: Cuttings, the fruits often contain no seeds.

The stems of this Cholla break loose very easily (it is also called jumping cholla). This cactus is famous for the way their spines get then stuck in the skin of the their victim. Removing the stem has to be done very carefully to avoid sticking more spines, and each spine has then to be removed one by one. By now I am sure you get the picture.
Opuntia ciribe is a form of C. bigelovii endemic to the Sierra de la Giganta, in Baja California Sur.

Teddy Bear Cholla, Choya Güera (Cylindropuntia bigelovii)

Blooming Habits:
Yellow flowers with reddish tinge, 1.2 to 1.6 inches in diameter (3-4 cm). Green ovoid fruit, 1.1 to 1.4 inches in diameter (2.7-3.5 cm).

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