Cylindropuntia californica subsp. parkeri

(J. M. Coult.) U Guzman

Brownspined prickly pear

Cactaceae Edible: Fruit, Stems 1,416 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cylindropuntia californica is a species of cholla cactus known by the common name snake cholla. It is primarily found in Baja California, Mexico and the southernmost part of California in the United States. It is characterized by a short, decumbent habit, yellow-green flowers, elongated stems, and short spines. It is mostly found in coastal sage scrub and coastal chaparral habitats, but two varieties in Baja California can be found in foothills and deserts. In California, variety californica is regarded as a rare and threatened plant, with a California Native Plant Society listing of 1B.1, in part due to its limited number of occurrences and threats from development. It formerly was considered to have a larger range due to the inclusion of Cylindropuntia bernardina within it as the variety parkeri.

Description

A cactus in the family Cactaceae found in temperate regions. Both the fruit and stems are edible and have been traditionally used as food.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The fruit and stems are eaten.

Traditional Uses

The fruit and stems are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Synonyms

Cylindropuntia californica var. parkeri (J. M. Coult.) PinkavaOpuntia bernardina Engelm. ex ParishOpuntia californica var. parkeri (J. M. Coult.) PinkavaOpuntia echinocarpa var. parkeri J. M. Coult.Opuntia parkeri J. M. Coult.Opuntia parryi Engelm.