Tasajillo, Turkey Pear, Christmas Cholla

Cylindropuntia leptocaulis (DC.) F.M. Knuth (syn. Opuntia leptocaulis DC.)

Cactaceae (Cactus family)


Description

Tasajillo has cylindric, jointed stems in which most of the individual segments are 1 inch or less in length. A member of the Cactus family, the plant has a general brushy appearance and usually grows to less than 5 ft or 1.5 m tall.    Tasajillo leaves are tiny; they appear only briefly at each cluster of spines when new segments emerge. The plant produces small, inconspicuous, greenish flowers. Bloom time occurs from April to August. The fruit is red, fleshy, globe-shaped, and less than an inch long. The spines are white, slender, and measure from 0.5 to 2 inches long.    Tasajillo often reaches the greatest densities along fence lines or under trees, where the seeds are transported by birds. This plant typically spreads by seed, which is consumed by wildlife. 

Habitat

Tasajillo is most abundant on sandy loam and clay loam soils and is often found in association with Honey Mesquite. Its native distribution includes Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Native habitats include mesas, valleys, flats, and arid environments. Tasajillo grows from 1,000 to 5,000 ft or 305 to 1,524 m in elevation. 

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