Family: Cactaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Cylindropuntia fulgida, commonly known as jumping cholla, is a spiny cactus native to the deserts of Arizona and northwestern Mexico, including Chihuahua. This shrubby to tree-like cactus is recognized for its segmented cylindrical stems covered in dense barbed spines that detach easily and cling to animals, people, and equipment. Jumping cholla is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental cactus for xeriscaping, desert gardens, and specialty cactus collections because of its unusual appearance and drought tolerance. In Hawaiʻi, it has become naturalized on Lanaʻi.

Risks & Threats
Jumping cholla is naturalized in Hawaiʻi (Lana’i ) and possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. The plant spreads aggressively through detached stem segments that readily root and form new plants, allowing it to establish dense, difficult-to-manage infestations. Its sharp spines can injure people, pets, livestock, and wildlife, while dense stands may displace native vegetation and reduce habitat quality. The species is also challenging and costly to control once established because stem fragments can regenerate after disturbance. Due to its invasive potential and ability to detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting Cylindropuntia fulgida is discouraged. When possible, choose a low risk or native alternative for landscaping and restoration projects.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized and a serious invasive weed in South Africa & Australia
  
• Forms dense, clonal thickets
  
• Reproduces easily via vegetative fragmentation (joints & fruits root readily)
  
• Dispersed by animals (barbed spines attach to fur/skin) and water
  
• Spines are harmful, barbed, and detach easily
  
• Tolerates grazing (eaten by cattle/goats)
  
• Hybridizes naturally with other chollas
  
• Congeneric weeds (other Opuntia species) are problematic

Low Risk Traits:

• Unlikely to produce many viable seeds; reproduction mainly vegetative
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• No evidence of toxicity to animals or humans
  
• Fire reduces abundance (not fire-adapted)
  
• Limited soil versatility (prefers sandy, mildly acidic to alkaline soils)