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Past Photos: November
Caption: The Jumping Cholla cactus (pronounced choy-a) is perhaps the most feared cacti in the southwest desert. If you ever brush up against one, you will understand why. The Jumping Cholla is also referred to as "Teddy Bear Cholla" because of it's fuzzy appearance, but touch one and you will know it is far from cuddly. The jumping cholla is named as such because sections of the cactus attach or 'jump' to just about anything that brushes against it. The plant has pads that separate easily from the main stem. The spines will attach to your clothing, your skin, or in this case, your hiking boot. Since the pad is covered with spines, it's difficult to grab and dislodge it from what ever it has attached to. Obviously, you can't use your fingers. This is why one of the most useful tools to bring along on a hike is a pair of pliers. Use pliers to remove the pad. Why are they so difficult to remove? Unlike other varieties of cacti with solid spines, cholla's actually have hollow spines. Because they are hollow they can easily attach to whatever they touch with their needle like sharpness. If there is moisture, such as with skin, the tips actually curve once they have made contact, locking their spines in place just underneath the skins top layer. Submit your photos to be presented on this page. Only
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