Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea
(Big Bend Cholla)
Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea, Mariscal Mine, Big Bend National Park 1147
Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea, Mariscal Mine, Big Bend National Park 1145
Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea, Mariscal Mine, Big Bend National Park 1140
Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea, Mariscal Mine, Big Bend National Park 1196
| Scientific Name | Cylindropuntia imbricata var. argentea (Opuntia imbricata var. argentea) | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CYIMA |
| Common Name | Big Bend Cholla | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 913455 |
| Family | Cactaceae (Cactus) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description | Habitat: Gravelly limestone soils of hills, washes and flats 2000 to 2400 feet elevation; endemic to a small portion of Big Bend National Park around the Mariscal Mtn. and into Mexico. Plant: Shrub less than 4 feet tall, densely spined and branched with relatively short, stout joints (compared to C. imbricata var. imbricata). Pads & Spines: Joints 4 to 8 inches long, 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter; tubercules up to 3/4-inch long; areoles more closely spaced than other imbricata; silvery spines with 10 to 20 spines per areole. Inflorescence: Flowers 2 inches across with pinkish to deep magenta tepals, outer ones having an olive hue in the middle portion; deep reddish-purple filaments less than 3/8-inch long; light yellow to cream-colored anthers; style about 3/4-inch long or less with cream-colored, stigma lobes. Bloom Period: Early April. Fruit: Yellow, spineless, inverse conical, 1 to 1-5/8 inches long, 3/4 to 1 inches across with deep tubercules; long-lasting. References: "Little Big Bend" by Roy Morey, "Cacti of Texas" by Powell, Weedin and Powell and "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston. | BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024