Opuntia fulgida Engelm. Family - Cactaceae . Common Names(s) - Jumping cholla, Chainfruit cholla. Synonym(s) - Cylindropuntia fulgida.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y= 1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

n

0

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

?

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

y

2

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

4

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

2

0

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

16

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Chain-fruit cholla is common in south-central Arizona and most of Sonora. (2)Opuntia fulgida is a native to southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico and is hardy in zones 9 through 11.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Riffle, R. L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants. Timber Press, Portland, OR.

2.02

(1)Chain-fruit cholla is common in south-central Arizona and most of Sonora.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

2.03

(1)hardy in zones 9 trough 11.

(1)Riffle, R. L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants. Timber Press, Portland, OR.

2.04

(1)Chain-fruit cholla is common in south-central Arizona and most of Sonora. (2)Opuntia fulgida is a native to southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico and is hardy in zones 9 through 11. (3)Opuntia fulgida is a weed in several States of Australia, including Western Austarlia

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Riffle, R. L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants. Timber Press, Portland, OR. (3)Western Australian Herbarium (1998–). FloraBase — The Western Australian Flora. Department of Environment and Conservation. http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/ [Accessed 04 Mar 2010]

2.05

(1)one of the more fascinating discoveries was an attractively violet-flowered but horrendously spiny species of Central American cactus, we identified as Opuntia fulgida. Though not recorded as such before, it was definitely well naturalized in the area and even becoming worryingly invasive in places. (2)Opuntia fulgida, an extremely spiny cactus commonly known as chain-fruit cholla or jumping cholla, was probably imported into South Africa as an ornamental, but has now become a serious invasive weed in parts of the Northern Cape and the Limpopo Provinces. The worst infestations occur near Douglas and Kimberley (Northern Cape), and on both sides of the Zimbabwean border at Beit Bridge near Musina (Limpopo Province). The cactus was previously erroneously regarded as Opuntia rosea, and is still referred to as rosea cactus in South Africa.

(1)Hyde, M.A. & Wursten, B. 2010. Flora of Zimbabwe: Outing no. 4: Expedition to Tuli (via Bulawayo). http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/outing-display.php?outing_id=4, retrieved 3 March 2010 (2)Plant Protection Research Institute. 2008. First releases of biocontrol agents against problem cactus. Plant Protection News 78: 11.

3.01

(1)one of the more fascinating discoveries was an attractively violet-flowered but horrendously spiny species of Central American cactus, we identified as Opuntia fulgida. Though not recorded as such before, it was definitely well naturalized in the area and even becoming worryingly invasive in places. (2)Naturalizing on Lanai

(1)Hyde, M.A. & Wursten, B. 2010. Flora of Zimbabwe: Outing no. 4: Expedition to Tuli (via Bulawayo). http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/outing-display.php?outing_id=4, retrieved 3 March 2010 (2)Duvall, F. 2010. Personal Communication, March 2, 2010. DOFAW, HI.

3.02

(1)Also known as Cholla or jumping cholla back in New Mexico where I grew up, this is one of the least garden-friendly plants I can think of and would strongly advise against growing it unless you have a pain wish. There are many times I can think why this cactus was aptly named, having hiked thousands of miles about the high deserts and been nailed by this plant even though I was sure I had clearance of it. The spines are very well barbed and nearly impossible to pull out intact. It takes months for your body to finally eject the spine, if ever. Just brush up against it and an entire leaf full of spines will immediately unattach itself from the mother plant and stick into you. It's in this way it ends up all over the place because it roots whereever the leaf falls. And it's not that great looking a cactus to begin with, though the 'skeletons' of this plant are highly ornamental- long cylinders full of holes- often used in decorations by the Indians. [potential to become an unwanted pest in gardens]

(1)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Jumping Cholla, Hanging Chain Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla, Cholla Brincadora, Velas de Coyote Cylindropuntia fulgida. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54958/ [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

3.03

(1)The increase of cactus on grassland ranges, particularly in the Southwest, has been a problem for many years. During a 17-year period (1932-1949) in southern Arizona, jumping cholla (Opuntia fulgida) increased from 5 to 368 plants/ha, cane cholla (O. spinosior) increased from 14 to 785 plants/ha, and Engelmann pricklypear (O. engelmnannii) increased from 0 to 74 plants/ha in a grazed area (Glendening 1952). (2)The data show that the rate of increase in the various forms of cactus, unlike that of mesquite, is strongly related to grazing activities of cattle and rodents. The increase of the highly objectionable jumping cholla (Opuntia fulgida) is directly related to amount of grazing activity, as shown by average increases of 18, 72, and 149 plants per acre on plots protected from cattle and rabbits, protected from cattle only, and unfenced, respectively...Studies of vegetative reproduction processes of jumping cholla made on the Santa Rita Experimental Range in 1946 and 1947 showed that where the detached joints were placed on bare mineral soil, 38 percent became rooted, whereas only 9 percent of the joints placed on a heavy straw litter cover became rooted. Thus, the almost complete elimination of the perennial grass cover on the sample plots no doubt resulted in conditions well suited to the rooting and establishment of cholla joints. Both cattle and rats trans- port cholla joints, often for considerable distances; and the universal distribution of new cholla plants on the sample plots seems to indicate that transport of detached joints was an important factor in the spread of both jumping and cane cholla. [overgrazing increases abundance of O. fulgida, which reduces pasture quality, even though cattle may consume it at times]

(1)Bunting, S. C., H. A. Wright, and L. F. Neuenschwander. 1980. Long-Term Effects of Fire on Cactus in the Southern Mixed Prairie of Texas. Journal of Range Management 33(2): 85-88. (2)Glendening, G.E. 1952. Some quantitative data on the increase of mesquite and cactus on a desert grassland range in southern Arizona. Ecology 33: 319-328.

3.04

(1)Opuntia fulgida, an extremely spiny cactus commonly known as chain-fruit cholla or jumping cholla, was probably imported into South Africa as an ornamental, but has now become a serious invasive weed in parts of the Northern Cape and the Limpopo Provinces. The worst infestations occur near Douglas and Kimberley (Northern Cape), and on both sides of the Zimbabwean border at Beit Bridge near Musina (Limpopo Province). The cactus was previously erroneously regarded as Opuntia rosea, and is still referred to as rosea cactus in South Africa. [targeted for biocontrol] (2)1 refers to Category 1 prohibited weeds that must be controlled in all situations; [Opuntia fulgida is a category 1 weed of South Africa] (3)Opuntia fulgida is a weed in several States of Australia, including Western Australia

(1)Plant Protection Research Institute. 2008. First releases of biocontrol agents against problem cactus. Plant Protection News 78: 11. (2)Nel, J. L., D. M. Richardson , M. Rouget, T.N. Mgidi, N. Mdzeke, D. C. Le Maitre, B.W. van Wilgen, L.Schonegevel, L. Henderson and S. Neser. 2004. A proposed classification of invasive alien plant species in South Africa: towards prioritizing species and areas for management action. South African Journal of Science 100: 53-64. (3)Western Australian Herbarium (1998–). FloraBase — The Western Australian Flora. Department of Environment and Conservation. http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au/ [Accessed 04 Mar 2010]

3.05

(1)Opuntia aurantiaca is a weed of natural areas in Australia and South Africa. O. dillenii is a weed of natural areas in Southern Europe and Madagascar. O. ficus-indica is a weed of natural areas in Southern Europre, Mediterraneana Islands, South Africa, Australia, and several other regions. O. stricta is a weed of natural areas in Southern Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Most have been targeted for control.

(1)Weber, E. 2003. Invasive plants of the World. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, UK.

4.01

(1)…the very sharp spines are so well-barbed that even if one barely penetrates skin or clothing, its grip is stronger than the connection between joints.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.02

(1)McAuliffe (1984a) found that herbivores consume less Mammilaria microcarpa and Echinocereus engelmannii growing under the canopies of the tree-like cactus Opuntia fulgida, because spiny nurse plants inhibit the foraging beneath their canopies. [no evidence of allelopathy, and designation as nurse plant suggests there are no allelopathic properties]

(1)Nobel, P. S. 2002. Cacti: biology and uses. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.03

(1)No evidence

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.04

(1)Cattle relish the fruits of both forms and will eat the viciously armed joints if the spines are scorched. In fact a few cattle acquire a taste for this cholla and actually eat the spin joints as they occur in nature. (2)Livestock: In spite of its intimidating spines, O. fulgida is eaten by cows and goats in times of drought. Some ranchers will torch the plants to remove the spines, but cows, especially the rangy old breeds (referred to as criollo or meco), seem unfazed by the long, sharp thorns and munch away contentedly at the potent mass. It is not at all unusual to see cattle with one or more sections of choya cactus suck on the head, even around the mouth.

(1)Kearney, T. H. and R. H. Peebles. 1960. Arizona flora. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Yetman, D. and T. R. Van Devender. 2002. Mayo ethnobotany: land, history, and traditional knowledge in northwest Mexico. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.05

(1)Cattle relish the fruits of both forms and will eat the viciously armed joints if the spines are scorched. In fact a few cattle acquire a taste for this cholla and actually eat the spin joints as they occur in nature. [no evidence of toxicity] (2)Livestock: In spite of its intimidating spines, O. fulgida is eaten by cows and goats in times of drought. Some ranchers will torch the plants to remove the spines, but cows, especially the rangy old breeds (referred to as criollo or meco), seem unfazed by the long, sharp thorns and munch away contentedly at the potent mass. It is not at all unusual to see cattle with one or more sections of choya cactus suck on the head, even around the mouth.

(1)Kearney, T. H. and R. H. Peebles. 1960. Arizona flora. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Yetman, D. and T. R. Van Devender. 2002. Mayo ethnobotany: land, history, and traditional knowledge in northwest Mexico. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.06

(1)A pathogen has long been suspected of causing the die-off of large areas of jumping cholla and other species of cacti. Although the causative organism has not been identified, there is reason to suspect the bacillus Erwinea carnegienana Standring, which causes bacterial necrosis in saguaro. [no native cacti in Hawaii, but could potentially affect other ornamental species of Cactaceae]

(1)Tschirley, F. H., and R. F. Wagle 1964. Growth Rate and Population Dynamics of Jumping Cholla (Opuntia fulgida Engelm.). Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science 3(2): 67-71.

4.07

(1)The fruits are eaten, though with a good deal of caution, for they are covered with potent, tiny spines called sebua (Mayo) or aguates (Spanish) (glochids). The husks must be removed, usually with a machete, and are often reserved for pigs. The sectioned sour fruits are eaten with lime juice. Medicine. The fruits are often prescribed form stomachaches. [no evidence of toxicity or allergic reactions]

(1)Yetman, D. and T. R. Van Devender. 2002. Mayo ethnobotany: land, history, and traditional knowledge in northwest Mexico. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.08

(1)Foliage: Succulent [unlikely, given succulent habit]

(1)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Jumping Cholla, Hanging Chain Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla, Cholla Brincadora, Velas de Coyote Cylindropuntia fulgida. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54958/ [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

4.09

(1)Sun Exposure: Full Sun

(1)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Jumping Cholla, Hanging Chain Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla, Cholla Brincadora, Velas de Coyote Cylindropuntia fulgida. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54958/ [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

4.10

(1)Dry, sandy soils of bajadas, valleys, plains and slopes. (2)Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

(1)DesertUSA. 2010. Chain-Fruit Cholla (Jumping Cholla) Opuntia fulgida. http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/may/papr/du_chaincholla.html [Accessed 03 Mar 2010] (2)Dave's Garden. 2010. PlantFiles: Jumping Cholla, Hanging Chain Cholla, Chain Fruit Cholla, Cholla Brincadora, Velas de Coyote Cylindropuntia fulgida. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/54958/ [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

4.11

(1)Because of the usually short dispersal distance of detached joints and fruits, jumping cholla tends to form dense clonal colonies.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

4.12

(1)Because of the usually short dispersal distance of detached joints and fruits, jumping cholla tends to form dense clonal colonies. (2)Dense stands of jumping cholla are present in many areas. Observations over many years indicate that jumping cholla can invade non-infested areas rapidly and that mature stands die out rapidly.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Tschirley, F. H., and R. F. Wagle 1964. Growth Rate and Population Dynamics of Jumping Cholla (Opuntia fulgida Engelm.). Journal of the Arizona Academy of Science 3(2): 67-71.

5.01

(1)Terrestrial

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

5.02

(1)Cactaceae

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

5.03

(1)Cactaceae

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

5.04

(1)Not a herbaceous geophyte

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

6.01

(1)whole fruits fall to the ground or are transported by animals that eat them and, like the joints, sprout new clonal plants from the fleshy rinds. (The fleshy part of cactus fruits is stem tissue; this tissue bears areoles with dormant buds that can sprout branches). (2)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

6.02

(1)Opuntia fulgida fruits often contain viable seeds, though they rarely sprout. [see Felger et al. 2001] (2)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

6.03

(1)This paper describes a case of vegetative multiplication of sterile interspecific hybrids in the cholla cacti. The parental species are O. fulgida and O. spinosior in south-central Arizona. Several types of hybrid products are found at two localities in this area. Two of these types, which are morphologically intermediate in the middle range between the parental species, and highly but not completely sterile as to pollen and seeds, are identified as probable F1 hybrids. The other hybrid types are identified on morphology and fertility as later-generation segregation products. Direct evidence was obtained for the vegetative propagation of these hybrid types by means of the fallen stem-joints. One hybrid type has formed a clone of four identical individuals; another a clone of about 100 identical individuals; still another forms an endemic clonal microspecies; and one other clonal microspecies occurs in large numbers throughout an area of several hundred square miles. The observed series of clones and microspecies exemplifies the expected but hitherto undocumented stages of growth of clonal hybrid microspecies. Their development involves a cyclical alternation of sexual and asexual processes, as has been found previously in agamospermous microspecies, the only known difference being the method of asexual reproduction. The results reported here have implications for formal taxonomy, which are taken up in the appendix.

(1)Grant, V. and K. A. Grant. 1971. Dynamics of Clonal Microspecies in Cholla Cactus. Evolution 25(1): 144-155 .

6.04

(1)O. spinosior is a good seed producer and appears to reproduce mainly by seeds. The fruits of O. fulgida, on the other hand, contain variable numbers of sound seeds, often few or none, and such good seeds as are formed frequently fail to germinate (Johnson, 1918). The breeding system of O. fulgida requires further study.

(1)Grant, V. and K. A. Grant. 1971. Dynamics of Clonal Microspecies in Cholla Cactus. Evolution 25(1): 144-155 .

6.05

(1)Flowers often 2.5-5 cm wide, bright purple-pink; larger tepals spreading widely, few and not totally ringing the flower (the flower lacks a full complement of "petals"). Flowering in pulses during warmer times of year, often following summer rains, and also mid-April-earl May. In summer the flowers open in the late afternoon, often by 6 PM, and often wither before dawn: in spring they remain open into the next morning. At night flowers are visited by medium-sized moths and during daylight by medium-sized and large bees.

(1)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

6.06

(1)whole fruits fall to the ground or are transported by animals that eat them and, like the joints, sprout new clonal plants from the fleshy rinds. (The fleshy part of cactus fruits is stem tissue; this tissue bears areoles with dormant buds that can sprout branches). (2)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

6.07

(1)The primary flower of the season in Opuntia fulgida arises from one of the upper or more terminal axillary buds or areoles of a last year's vegetative joint or from an areole of a fruit of the first, second, or third year preceding. The number of flowers developed on any one joint or fruit in a single season ranges from 1 to 5 or more (figs. 4, 9a). In the case of the fruits, flowers may be formed from other areoles in succeeding years until as many as 10 or 12 flowers and fruits are often found attached to a single persistent fruit (fig. 48). The primary flowers of a season are first evident, in O. fulgida growing near Tucson, during the latter half of April. Open flowers are rarely seen before the middle of May. The first flowers to appear and to open are those developed on vegetative branches. In early May 1912, the larger flower-buds on vegetative branches of one plant observed were 21 mm. long, while the longest ones on a persistent fruit of the same plant were but 7 mm. New flowers continue to open successively all through the summer up to the middle of September. (See Tourney, 1898 ; Lloyd, 1907 ). [unknown when plant will first flower, but likely able to reproduce vegetatively at least after second year's growth]

(1)Johnson, D. S. 1918. The fruit of Opuntia fulgida: a study of perennation and proliferation in the fruits of certain Cactaceae. Carnegie Institution of Washington Publication 269. Washington, D. C.

7.01

(1)Most reproduction is asexually from stem joints and fruit rinds (both of which contain areoles that have buds that can resprout into new plants) that often are dispersed by animals. The name, Jumping Cholla, comes from the erroneous belief that the stem segments can jump off the plant, fly through the air, and stick to you. In reality, unless there is a very strong wind, what happens is a person will just barely brush a spine. The spine has a barb that grabs ahold. Then the stem joint detaches very easily. After a little while, the person will "notice" the stem joint stuck to them. By this time, the offending cactus likely won't be close-by, but there will be one a ways away which "must have" jumped its stem joint all the way over to the person. This is an adaptation the plant uses to get its progeny dispersed.

(1)Desert Ecology of Tucson, AZ. 2010. Chainfruit Cholla (Opuntia fulgida). http://wc.pima.edu/Bfiero/tucsonecology/plants/cactuses_cfch.htm [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

7.02

(1)grown as an ornamental by cactus and succulent enthusiast

(1)Riffle, R. L. 1998. The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants. Timber Press, Portland, OR.

7.03

(1)Opuntia fulgida fruits often contain viable seeds, though they rarely sprout. [see Felger et al. 2001] (2)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants. [no evidence of produce contamination, and seeds rarely germinate]

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

7.04

(1)whole fruits fall to the ground or are transported by animals that eat them and, like the joints, sprout new clonal plants from the fleshy rinds. (The fleshy part of cactus fruits is stem tissue; this tissue bears areoles with dormant buds that can sprout branches).

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

7.05

(1)Vegetative reproduction is very common in O. fulgida. The spiny terminal stem joints detach readily from the parent plant and fall to the ground. They may take root near the parent plant, or they may be carried to considerable distances by water or animals before rooting in their final resting place.

(1)Grant, V. and K. A. Grant. 1971. Dynamics of Clonal Microspecies in Cholla Cactus. Evolution 25(1): 144-155 .

7.06

(1)Cholla cactus fruits are eaten by birds, small rodents, rabbits, and other animals as well as by cattle. Seedlings of cane cholla are common in southern Arizona. Often they are concentrated near rodent mounds and dens. In contrast, jumping cholla seedlings are seldom seen, which is in line with an early report by Johnson (1918) that seeds of this species do not readily germinate under field conditions. [birds unlikely to disperse vegetative parts or seeds, but potential exists]

(1)Glendening, G.E. 1952. Some quantitative data on the increase of mesquite and cactus on a desert grassland range in southern Arizona. Ecology 33: 319-328.

7.07

(1)Most reproduction is asexually from stem joints and fruit rinds (both of which contain areoles that have buds that can resprout into new plants) that often are dispersed by animals. The name, Jumping Cholla, comes from the erroneous belief that the stem segments can jump off the plant, fly through the air, and stick to you. In reality, unless there is a very strong wind, what happens is a person will just barely brush a spine. The spine has a barb that grabs ahold. Then the stem joint detaches very easily. After a little while, the person will "notice" the stem joint stuck to them. By this time, the offending cactus likely won't be close-by, but there will be one a ways away which "must have" jumped its stem joint all the way over to the person. This is an adaptation the plant uses to get its progeny dispersed.

(1)Desert Ecology of Tucson, AZ. 2010. Chainfruit Cholla (Opuntia fulgida). http://wc.pima.edu/Bfiero/tucsonecology/plants/cactuses_cfch.htm [Accessed 03 Mar 2010]

7.08

(1)whole fruits fall to the ground or are transported by animals that eat them and, like the joints, sprout new clonal plants from the fleshy rinds. (The fleshy part of cactus fruits is stem tissue; this tissue bears areoles with dormant buds that can sprout branches).

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA.

8.01

(1)Opuntia fulgida fruits often contain viable seeds, though they rarely sprout. [see Felger et al. 2001] (2)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants.

(1)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (2)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

8.02

(1)It will be recalled that O. spinosior is a good seed producer whereas O. fulgida produces seeds sparsely and irregularly and then retains them for years in persistent fruit chains on the mother plant. [seeds retained for a long time, but there viability is low]

(1)Glendening, G.E. 1952. Some quantitative data on the increase of mesquite and cactus on a desert grassland range in southern Arizona. Ecology 33: 319-328.

8.03

(1)WEED SPECIES AND HERBICIDES FOR THEIR CONTROL [Triclopyr, picloram listed for O. fulgida, but no information on effectiveness]

(1)Downey. R. M. 1989. Real Property Operations and Maintenance. WEED CONTROL AND PLANT GROWTH REGULATION. Washington DC 20330-5000. http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/NAVFAC/OPER/mo314.pdf [Accessed 04 Mar 2010]

8.04

(1)Humphrey and Everson (1951) reported a high mortality of shrubs on burned areas in Arizona, They found that fire decreased burroweed (Haplopappus tenuisectus) 73%, jumping cholla (Opuntia fulgida) 29%, cane cholla (Opuntia spinosior) 7%, and pricklypear cactus 9%. [fire reduces cover, but mutilation will increase the plants abundance [fire reduces abundance, but may benefit from mutilation] (2)whole fruits fall to the ground or are transported by animals that eat them and, like the joints, sprout new clonal plants from the fleshy rinds. (The fleshy part of cactus fruits is stem tissue; this tissue bears areoles with dormant buds that can sprout branches). (3)Reproduction by seed is rare: propagation is almost entirely vegetative from fallen joints and fruits, which readily form roots and grow into new plants.

(1)Humphrey, R. R. and A, C, Everson, 1951. Effect of fire on a mixed grass-shrub range in southern Arizona, J, Range Manage. 4: 264-266. (2)Phillips, S. J. and P. Wentworth Comus. 2000. A natural history of the Sonoran Desert. University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, CA. (3)Felger, R. S., M. B. Johnson, and M. F. Wilson. 2001. The trees of Sonora, Mexico. Oxford University Press US, New York.

8.05

(1)The biological control of noxious weeds in Hawai`i has been carried on intermittently since 1902, when insects and diseases of lantana (Lantana camara) were sought in Mexico by the Territorial Board of Agriculture and Forestry (now Hawai`i Department of Agriculture). This approach was subsequently employed for the control of 20 other noxious weed pests between the 1940s and 1970s. Lantana was the first weed to be controlled by this method in the U.S. Results were very dramatic in some areas of the State, especially after later introductions by Hawai`ian and Australian entomologists resulted in heavy stress on lantana. In addition to lantana, excellent results have been obtained in the biological control of cacti (Opuntia spp.), and Hamakua pamakani (Ageratina riparia). Prior to the introduction of cactus insects in 1949, 66,000 a (26,400 ha) of Parker Ranch range lands on Hawai`i Island were infested with cacti. By 1965, 7,610 a (< 3,080 ha) remained infested, the result of three introduced insects and an accidentally introduced fungus disease; the red-fruited variety of cactus is particularly susceptible to the fungus. A spineless variety of the cactus occurs in the 'Ainahou-Poliokeawe Pali sector of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, and biocontrol efforts are in progress. With the introduction of insects from Mexico and a foliar fungus disease from Jamaica, Hamakua pamakani is under excellent control on many ranch as well as privately owned and government lands on Hawai`i Island. The pathogenic fungus introduced into Hawai`i specifically for Hamakua pamakani represents the first successful attempt to establish a disease of this noxious weed. [Unknown if biocontrol agent affects O. fulgida]

(1)Davis, C. J., E. Yoshioka, and D. Kageler. 1992. Biological Control of Lantana, Prickly Pear, and Hamakua Pamakani in Hawai`i: a Review and Update. Pp. 411-431 in C. P. Stone, C. W. Smith, and J. T. Tunison (eds.). Alien Plant Invasions in Native Ecosystems of Hawai`i: Management and Research. University of Hawaii Cooperative National Park Resources Studies, Honolulu.