Happy Urban Dirt

Cacti are very good for decorating our home. They are attractive and simple to care for, what more could you want? However, there are species that are considered invasive in some countries, so we have to be careful. One of the species whose introduction may be perilous is Cylindropuntia, also known as twisted prickly pear.

In this post we will discuss What type of cactus is this and what species make it up? We will also comment on the care these plants require in case you want to grow them at home (but first check if it is allowed in your country). So don’t hesitate to read on if these succulents have caught your eye.

What is Cylindropuntia?

When we talk about Cylindropuntiawe refer to a genus of plants, especially cacti, belonging to the family Cactaceae. We can also find it as a subgenus of cacti Prickly pear. These thorny vegetables are native to some South American countries, as well as North America. This type of cactus is known in Venezuela as “tunas chiveras”, while in Mexico and the United States it is usually called “choya”. In Spain it is known as “twisted prickly pear” or “warty prickly pear”. As for the name Cylindropuntiacomes from the Greek language and consists of the term «cylinder«, which means «cylindrical» and «prickly pear«, referring to this type of cactus. Therefore, the translated name would be “Opuntia cylindrica”, which would essentially be a silver like this type with a cylindrical shape.

But what exactly do cacti belonging to this genus look like? Well, generally speaking They grow as miniature trees or highly branched shrubs. The stems are cylindrical in shape (hence the name of the genus), but sometimes they can look more like uncomplicated disks, but they are always tuberous. Their length is very variable. As for the flowers of these vegetables, they are usually yellow-green, purple, brown, yellow or red.

It should be noted that cacti belonging to this genus usually have spherical fruits that are slightly cylindrical, which in some cases may be disk-shaped. They are usually arid or fleshy. Depending on the species, these fruits may have thorns. They tend to be red with greenish, yellowish or brown tones when they start to arid out. As for the seeds, they are usually yellow to brown, always with a pale shade, even gray. They have a flattened shape and their diameter varies from 2.5 to 5 millimeters.

Species

Now that we know what plants belonging to this genus look like, Cylindropuntialet’s see what it is species belonging to this group. We have highlighted the most popular ones in bold:

• Cylindropuntia Abyss
• Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
• Cylindropuntia alcahes
• Cylindropuntia anteojoensis
• Cylindropuntia arbuscula
• Cylindropuntia bigelovii
• Californian Cylindropuntia
• Cylindropuntia calmalliana
• Cylindropuntia caribaea
• Cylindropuntia cedrosensis
• Cylindropuntia cholla
• Cylindropuntia × congesta
• Cylindropuntia davisii
• Cylindropuntia ×deserta
• Cylindropuntia echinocarpa
• Cylindropuntia ×fosbergii
• Cylindropuntia fulgida
• Cylindropuntia ganderi
• Cylindropuntia imbricata
• Cylindropuntia ×kelvinensis
• Cylindropuntia kleiniae
• Cylindropuntia leptocaulis
• Cylindropuntia lindsayi
• Cylindropuntia molesta
• Cylindropuntia × multigeniculata
• Cylindropuntia munzii
• Cylindropuntia ×neoarbuscula
• Cylindropuntia prolifera
• Cylindropuntia ramosissima
• Cylindropuntia rosa (formally known as C. shovels)
• Cylindropuntia sanfelipensis
• Cylindropuntia santamaria
• Cylindropuntia spinosior
• Cylindropuntia tesajo
• Cylindropuntia × tetracantha
• Cylindropuntia thurberi
• Cylindropuntia tunicata
• Cylindropuntia versicolor
• Cylindropuntia ×viridiflora
• Cylindropuntia ×vivipara
• Cylindropuntia whipplei
• Cylindropuntia wolfii

It should be noted here that this genus is included in the Spanish catalogue of invasive alien species, being above all three species of special care. Specifically, it is about C. imbricata, C. pink and C. spinosior. These are vegetables that pose a very earnest threat to native plants, and consequently also affect the ecosystems and habitats of the region, due to their great colonization potential. Since they are on the list of invasive species, the trade, movement, transport, possession and introduction into the natural environment of plants belonging to this genus is prohibited in Spain.^​

care of Cylindropuntia

In case we live in a country where this genus is not considered invasive and we want to have one of these plants at home, it can be very useful to know what basic care they require. Cacti belonging to this group can be grown both in garden soil and in a pot, but we will have to take into account the following aspects:

• Location: It is critical to place these plants in a shining place, because they require a lot of direct sunlight. In case the vegetable is not accustomed to it, it is recommended to place it in a semi-shady place.
• Temperature: Since they are cacti, it is normal that they require balmy temperatures. Nevertheless, it is necessary to emphasize the rusticity of these vegetables. Of course, it will depend on the species, but in general they tolerate cool well, being able to withstand even lithe frosts.
• Earth: Ideally, for plants of this type, the soil is lithe. If it turns out to be a bit hefty, it is best to mix it with perlite in equal proportions. We can also utilize special soil for cacti, which is already prepared in specialized stores.
• Irrigation: As for watering, it should be low. It should be noted that these vegetables tolerate drought much better than excess water. It is best to let the soil arid out completely before the next watering. By touching the soil, we will know if it is arid or not.
• Subscriber: If we have a plant in garden soil, there is no need to fertilize it. However, if we have it in a pot, we will have to do it, because the substrate gradually depletes the nutrients. For this purpose, we can utilize a special fertilizer for cacti, which is sold in every gardening store. If it is liquid, much better. We must utilize it in spring and summer, following the instructions and the dose indicated by the manufacturer. Usually, it is poured into water and watered with the mixture. It is critical to water only the soil, not soaking the plant.

I hope this information about the species Cylindropuntia you found this compelling. Remember that before purchasing one of these plants, you need to find out if it is allowed to be grown in your country, because it is quite an invasive species and can harm entire ecosystems.