Cylindropuntia ramosissima (Engelm.) F.M. Knuth

Diamond cholla, diamond-plated pencil cholla, branched pencil cholla, diamond-plated penc

Diamond cholla is so named because the pattern of bumps (technically tubercules) along the stem segments is diamond-shaped. The “pencil” in other common names refers to the narrow, pencil-like stems.

Plants: Diamond cholla is multiply branched, resembling either a shrub or a small tree, and 1½–6½′ (50–200 cm) tall. Stem segments are ¾–4″ long ⨉ ⅛–⅜″ in diameter (2–10 cm ⨉ 4–10 mm). Unusually long spines ⅞–2″ (2.5–6 cm) long occur in groups of one to five. The spine groups are widely spaced, and the spines are tan to reddish brown or deep purple, finally becoming gray.

Flowers: Pale yellow, orange, pink, or brown, tinged with red.

Fruits: Oval-shaped, tan, very spiny, and ½–1 ⨉ ⅜–½″ (1.5–3 ⨉ 1–1.5 cm).

Habitats: Arid, sandy or stony areas, scrubland, often on volcanic soils; at up to 3500′ (1 km) elevation.

Online References:

References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Cylindropuntia ramosissima description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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