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Diamond Cholla, Pencil Cholla
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia ramosissima (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth
Synonym: Opuntia ramosissima, Opuntia tesselata
Family: Cactaceae

Show Larger Picture Cylindropuntia ramosissima

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 10-13 USDA: 8A-11 Minimum Avg. Temperature: 50°F (10°C) Heat Tolerance: Good in Phoenix in summer Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: USA (southwestern Colorado, western Arizona, southern Nevada, eastern California), Mexico (northern Sonora, Sierra Pala), at low elevations, 500 to 2000 feet (150-600 m) Growth Habits: Shrubby cactus, 2 to 5 feet tall and wide (0.6 to 1.5 m); joints with diamond shaped pattern, 9 inches long (22 cm) Watering Needs: Little water

Blooming Habits:
Brown, red tinged flowers in late spring and summer. They are followed by a brown fruit.