Cylindropuntia tunicata

Cylindropuntia tunicata, (also known as Opuntia tunicata), is locally known as the Sheathed Cholla. It is a particularly branched cactus that forms an unusual clump, with a variable shape, resembling a large white to yellowish flattened sea urchin, bristling with spines. This species proves remarkably resistant to drought and relatively hardy in dry soil. This unique cactus also offers delicate ephemeral flowers like translucent silk, in shades of yellow, green, and amber. It is cultivated in rocky or sandy, poor and well-drained soil, in full sun. An astonishing plant in a minimalist setting, which naturally structures exotic or contemporary spaces. Cultivation in open ground is easier in warm climates.

Cylindropuntia tunicata is a succulent plant devoid of leaves from the Cactaceae family. This botanical species is native to the Chihuahuan Desert, Texas, the entire northern region of Mexico, and certain regions of South America (Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Chile). In nature, it grows in plains or rocky areas at altitudes ranging from 100 to 2300m (328 to 7546ft). Over time, the plant forms a highly branched, very dense, often spreading small bush. An adult specimen will reach an average of 50cm (20in) in all directions. The vegetation consists of a trunk dividing into numerous branches called articles, in the shape of cylinders, devoid of leaves, measuring 5 to 20cm (2 to 8in) long and 1.5 to 2.5cm (1n) in diameter. Their pale green surface is covered with oval protuberances. They are abundantly provided with spikes measuring up to 6cm (2in) long. These spikes are arranged in groups of 5 to 12 on very close areoles. They are so numerous that they hide the branches. Their colour ranges from pearly white to pale-yellow, depending on the strains. In June, floral articles appear at their ends, bearing cup-shaped flowers 3 to 4cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, centred on a heart of yellow stamens. The flowers give way to frequently sterile fruits, yellow to yellow-green, often tinged with red, shaped like tops or clubs, measuring 2.5 to 5cm (1 to 2in) long. The flowers are spineless or only slightly prickly. Occasionally, parts of the plant fall to the ground and easily take root upon contact with the soil.

Cylindropuntia tunicata must be handled with protective gloves due to its numerous spikes. In warm regions, this cactus will find its place in a large rock garden, a gravel bed, or at the boundaries of a dry garden, where its silhouette will stand out in a mineral and austere setting composed of a few grasses, agaves, Hesperaloe parviflora, and other desert plants such as Yuccas and Dasylirions. It is also possible to cultivate this Cylindropuntia in a pot on a terrace by placing it in the sunniest spot in the garden. Container cultivation allows you to protect the plant over winter.