Cholla (Pronounced "choy-ah.") refers to any of more than 20 species of the Opuntia genus (Family Cactacea), a shrubby cactus chiefly native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Chollas are characterized by cylindrical joints and needle-like spines, partly enclosed in a papery sheath. They vary greatly in size. One popular Cholla is the Christmas Cactus (pictured above), so-called because it frequently blooms within a few weeks of Christmas (actually the winter solstice). Other common varieties include the Club Cholla, Devil Cholla, Chain-Fruit Cholla, Staghorn Cholla and the Teddy Bear Cholla (often referred to as a "Jumping Cholla"),

Photo by Leatha Lemen. All rights reserved.