The jumping cholla cactus(Opuntia fulgida ) gets its name from spiny segment that come off so easily they seem to attack anyone near them . This industrial plant can go beyond painful contact in a garden or on a tramp track and become an belligerent menace . The jumping cholla grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant life hardiness zone zone 8b through 11 .
Jumping Cactus Basics
The jumping Opuntia cholla grows 8 to 10 feet magniloquent in a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree shape and raise fuschia - colored blossoms in bound . It ’s also called chain fruit cholla , box glove Opuntia cholla , velas de coyote , cholla brincadora and hang chain cholla . This drought - tolerant cactus attracts shuttle , bees and butterfly stroke . In summation to adding an authentic rustic desert texture and coloration to a yard , the spiny jumping cholla supply a formidable barrier , such as to dissuade a likely burglar from approaching an upstairs windowpane . Yet the protective features of the jumping cholla mean you must take caution to avoid accidental injury .
The Better to Spike You With
Natural health advocate Dr. Andrew Weil describes the jump Opuntia cholla as the most severe cactus where he lives near Tucson , Arizona . The jumping Opuntia cholla is continue with piercing spines and masses of amercement , rag barbs , called glochids . When the spines touch skin or clothing , the segment comes off the industrial plant . If a " boxing baseball glove " from a Opuntia cholla attaches to you , its large and fine spike get into your skin . The rearward barbs make them hard to hit .
Spiny Projectiles and Glochids
Attempting to rock a jump Opuntia cholla segment off could cause it to hit your aspect , another person or a dearie . Use a large combing or sticks to remove it . A strong wind may cause segments to vaporize and hit anyone nearby . A reflex to suck the abominable glochids out of the pelt can cause them to implant in the soft tissue of the mouth , tongue , throat and windpipe , and may be fatal , advises KCET .
The Spiky Takeover
Mesa , Arizona has a track record of a massive growths of jumping cholla overrunning sidewalks , busbar stops and cul de Sauk , putting passersby , play children and pets in risk . The metropolis had to remove the menacing cactuses . Protect yourself if you have to treat this type of cactus . outwear reinforced work gloves , safety gadget goggles , a hat , and grave - obligation , long - arm shirt and bloomers when you plant , transplant , take cuttings , harvest time seeds or remove an invasive jumping Opuntia cholla . If you need to handle it , do so with metal implement , such as barbeque tongs , whenever possible .
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