Cacti are very good for decorating our home. They are beautiful and easy to maintain, what more could you ask for? However, some species are considered invasive in some countries, so we have to be careful. One genre that can be dangerous to introduce is Cylindropuntia, also known as twisted prickly pear.
In this post, we will discuss what is this genus of cactus and what are the species that compose it. In addition, we will comment on the care that these plants require, in case you want to grow them at home (but first check that it is allowed in your country). So don’t hesitate to read on if these succulents have caught your attention.
Contents
what is it Cylindropuntia?
When we talk about Cylindropuntiawe refer to a genus of plants, specifically cacti, belonging to the family Cactaceae. It can also be found as a subgenus of cactus Opuntia. These prickly vegetables are native to some countries belonging to South America and also to North America. This type of cactus is known as “tunas chiveras” in Venezuela, 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”. Regarding the name Cylindropuntiait comes from the Greek and is composed of the term “cylinderwhich means “cylindrical”, and “opuntia“, referring to this kind of cactus. Therefore, the translated name would be “Opuntia cylindrica”, which would essentially be a silver similar to this genus with a cylindrical shape.
But what exactly do cacti belonging to this genus look like? Well, usually They grow in the form of small trees or highly branched shrubs. The stems are cylindrical in shape (hence the name of the genus), but on some occasions they may look more like straight disks, but still tuberculate. Their length is very variable. As for the flowers of these vegetables, they are normally yellowish green, magenta, bronze, yellow or red.
It should be noted that cacti belonging to this genus usually have slightly cylindrical spherical fruits, which on some occasions can be disc-shaped. They are usually dry or meaty. Depending on the species, these fruits may have thorns. They tend to be red with greenish, yellowish or brownish tones when they begin to dry. Regarding the seeds, these are generally yellow to brown, always with a pale, even gray tone. They are flattened in shape and their diameter varies from 2.5 to 5 millimeters.
Species
Now that we know what plants belonging to the genus look like Cylindropuntialet’s see what they are species that belong to this group. In bold, we highlight the most common:
- Cylindropuntia abyssi
- Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa
- Cylindropuntia alcahes
- Cylindropuntia anteojoensis
- Cylindropuntia arbuscula
- Cylindropuntia bigelovii
- Cylindropuntia californica
- 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 rosea (formerly known as C. pallida)
- Cylindropuntia sanfelipensis
- Cylindropuntia santamaria
- Cylindropuntia spinosior
- Cylindropuntia tessajo
- Cylindropuntia ×tetracantha
- Cylindropuntia thurberi
- Cylindropuntia tunicata
- Cylindropuntia versicolor
- Cylindropuntia ×viridiflora
- Cylindropuntia × viviparous
- Cylindropuntia whipplei
- Cylindropuntia wolfii
At this point, it should be noted that this genus is included in the Spanish catalog of invasive alien species, being above all three species of particular concern. More specifically, it is C. imbricata, C. rosea And C. spinosior. They are vegetables that pose a very significant threat to native plants, therefore also affecting the ecosystems and habitats of the region, due to their great potential for colonization. As they are included in the list of invasive species, the trade, traffic, transport, possession and introduction into the natural environment of plants belonging to this genus are 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 need. Cacti belonging to this group can be grown both in garden soil and in pots, but we will have to take into account the following aspects:
- Location: It is important to place these plants in a sunny location, as they require lots of direct sunlight. In the event that the vegetable is not accustomed to it, it is recommended to place it in a semi-shaded place.
- Temperature: Since they are cacti, it is normal for them to need warm temperatures. However, it is necessary to underline the hardiness of these vegetables. Obviously, this will depend on the species, but in general they tolerate cold quite well, being able to withstand even light frosts.
- To land: The ideal for plants of this genus is that the soil is light. If it turns out a bit heavy, the best we can do is mix it with equal parts perlite. You can also use special soil for cactus that 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 dry out completely before watering again. By touching the substrate, we will know if it is dry or not.
- Subscriber: If we have the plant in the ground of the garden, it is not necessary to fertilize it. On the other hand, if we have it in a pot, we will have to do it, because the substrate is gradually depleted in nutrients. For this we can apply a special cactus fertilizer that they sell in any garden store. If it’s liquid, it’s much better. We must apply it in spring and summer, following the instructions and the dose indicated by the manufacturer. Usually it is poured with water and sprinkled with the mixture. It is important to water only the soil, without wetting the plant.
I hope this gender information Cylindropuntia you found it interesting. Remember that before acquiring one of these plants, you must know if it is allowed to be grown in your country, since it is a fairly invasive genus and can harm entire ecosystems.