Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Cholla

Cylindropuntia fulgida, the jumping cholla, also known as the hanging chain cholla, is a cholla cactus native to the Southwestern United States and Sonora. Cholla is a term applied to various shrubby cacti of this genus with cylindrical stems composed of segmented joints. These stems are actually modified branches that serve several functions -- water storage, photosynthesis and flower production.The structure of cacti enables them to survive in hot, dry climates. Most have thick, fleshy stems with a waxy skin surface. The stem acts as a reservoir to store water. The tough skin keeps the water from evaporating. In addition, surfaces of most cacti can expand and contract to accommodate changes in the amount of water.