Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Species:
molesta
ID:
633075

Status:
valid

Authors:
(K.Brandegee) F.M.Knuth

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1936

Citation Micro:
Kaktus-ABC: 126. 1936.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000632407

Common Names

  • Cylindropuntia molesta
  • Molesta cholla
  • Molesta beavertail cactus

Searching for Cylindropuntia molesta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Opuntia molesta K.Brandegee [unknown]
  • Grusonia molesta (Brandegee) G.D.Rowley [unknown]

Description

Cylindropuntia molesta (also called devil's-tongue, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is a low-growing, sprawling cactus with cylindrical stems that can reach up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in length. It is found in dry, rocky, open areas, often in association with creosote bush and other desert shrubs.

Uses & Benefits

Cylindropuntia molesta is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, and its fruits are edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Cylindropuntia molesta sub. clavellina (Engelm. ex J.M.Coult.) U.Guzmán
Cylindropuntia molesta sub. molesta

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Cylindropuntia molesta has yellow flowers and its seeds are small and black. Its seedlings are small and spiny.

Searching for Cylindropuntia molesta? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Cylindropuntia molesta is a fast-growing, low-maintenance cactus that is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. To propagate, cut a healthy stem from the parent plant and allow it to dry for a few days. Once dry, place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining cactus soil and water it lightly. The cutting should take root within a few weeks. Cylindropuntia molesta prefers full sun and well-draining soil.

Where to Find Cylindropuntia molesta

Cylindropuntia molesta is native to the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico.

Cylindropuntia molesta FAQ

What is the scientific name of Cylindropuntia molesta?

Cylindropuntia molesta

What are the common names of Cylindropuntia molesta?

Common names include Chainfruit Cholla, Chain-Fruit Cholla, and Chain-Link Cactus

Where is Cylindropuntia molesta native to?

Cylindropuntia molesta is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico

Species in the Cylindropuntia genus

Cylindropuntia abyssi, Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, Cylindropuntia alcahes, Cylindropuntia anteojoensis, Cylindropuntia antoniae, Cylindropuntia arbuscula, Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Cylindropuntia californica, Cylindropuntia calmalliana, Cylindropuntia campii, Cylindropuntia caribaea, Cylindropuntia cholla, Cylindropuntia ciribe, Cylindropuntia davisii, Cylindropuntia delgadilloana, Cylindropuntia densiaculeata, Cylindropuntia deserta, Cylindropuntia echinocarpa, Cylindropuntia fosbergii, Cylindropuntia fulgida, Cylindropuntia ganderi, Cylindropuntia grantiorum, Cylindropuntia hystrix, Cylindropuntia imbricata, Cylindropuntia kelvinensis, Cylindropuntia kleiniae, Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, Cylindropuntia media, Cylindropuntia molesta, Cylindropuntia multigeniculata, Cylindropuntia munzii, Cylindropuntia pallida, Cylindropuntia parryi, Cylindropuntia prolifera, Cylindropuntia ramosissima, Cylindropuntia tesajo, Cylindropuntia thurberi, Cylindropuntia tunicata, Cylindropuntia whipplei, Cylindropuntia wolfii, Cylindropuntia lindsayi, Cylindropuntia sanfelipensis, Cylindropuntia santamaria, Cylindropuntia viridiflora, Cylindropuntia bernardina, Cylindropuntia cedrosensis, Cylindropuntia chuckwallensis, Cylindropuntia libertadensis, Cylindropuntia waltoniorum, Cylindropuntia perrita,

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

Mary Katharine Brandegee (1844-1920): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'K.Brandegee' in the authors string.
Frederik Marcus Knuth (1904-1970): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'F.M.Knuth' in the authors string.