Cholla Cactus...the"Jumping
Cactus"
Cholla Cactus...the"Jumping
Cactus"
Roger Weller, geology instructor
wellerr@cochise.edu
Cholla Cactus
The Cholla cactus has two alternative common names.
For the first
time viewer who has not physically become attached to them, they
are called the "teddy bear cactus". For those who have gotten stuck
on the
needles, they are known as the "jumping cactus", because the
victim swears that
they never touched the needles. The cholla cactus
grows balls covered with
needles that break off easily and fall to the
ground. The needles have
microscopic barbs that grab on with even
the slightest touch. The ball of
needles then rolls and many new needles
then stick to the victim. (This is
from my personal experience.)
closer
closer
way too close
The best way to deal with these balls of cholla
needles is to bring a pair
of thin scissors and some small pliers with you when
you go hiking.
Do not try to pry the ball of needles off; more needles
will start to get stuck.
Cut the needles in order to remove the ball.
Afterwards, at your leisure,
you can try pulling the needles out of your skin
with the pliers, one at as time.
Photos are copyright free for non-commercial educational
uses.
Just credit photos to R.Weller/Cochise College.
copyright 2007 R.Weller