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Cylindropuntia echinocarpa

(Engelm. & J. M. Bigelow) F. M. Knuth

Staghorn cholla

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Cylindropuntia echinocarpa is a species of cactus known by the common names silver cholla, golden cholla, and Wiggins' cholla. It was formerly named Opuntia echinocarpa.

Description

A cactus in the family Cactaceae native to temperate regions. Staghorn cholla produces edible fruits and joints that have been traditionally harvested and prepared for consumption.

Edible Uses

The fruit are rolled on the ground to remove spines and eaten raw. The buds, fruit, and joints are cooked and eaten.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are rolled on the ground to remove the spines, then eaten raw. The buds, fruit and joints are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Mexico, North America, USA,

Synonyms

Grusonia echinocarpa (Engelm. & J. M. Bigelow) G. D. RowleyOpuntia echinocarpa Engelm. & J. M. BigelowOpuntia echinocarpa var. nuda J. M. Coult.Opuntia wigginsii L. D. Benson

References (3)

  • G. Engelmann, Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 3:302. 1856 (Pacif. Railr. Rep. 4:49. 1857)
  • Lyle, S., 2006, Discovering fruit and nuts. Land Links. p 303
  • Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 365 (As Opuntia echinocarpa)

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