The Chainfruit Cholla (Opuntia fulgida) is the largest growing cholla attaining heights to 15 feet. It gets its common name from the long (to 2 feet) chains of fruit that hang from its branches year after year. This cholla is also called the Jumping Cholla because its joints break off easily. Contrary to the belief of some, the joints can not jump off the plant and stick to you. The ground surrounding a mature Chainfruit is usually covered with joints that have fallen off.

This cactus ranges from South Arizona into Northwest Mexico. It grows in dry, sandy bajadas and plains of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Desert to 4000 feet. Young plants have a tidy appearance while older plants possess a black central trunk with short branches hanging in all directions.

The drooping branches are many segmented and composed of spiny joints. Joints are 4 to 8 inches long and 1 to 2 inches in diameter and produce temporary leaves when young. Spines have a straw-colored sheath that acts to reflect sunlight and prevent plant over heating.

Mature plants commonly grow to 8 feet high. Spines fall off of the central trunk and mature branches leaving a rough, scaly black bark. One inch wide white to pink blooms appear from June to August. They originate from the ends of branches and from old fruit.

The pear-shaped fruits are about 1.5 inches long and half as wide. Fruit from successive flowering periods link together to form long chains. The Chainfruit is the only cholla which produces sterile fruit (never ripen). Fruit, and stem joints alike, break off easily and can root after a rain.

Animals use the Chainfruit Cholla for several purposes. Cactus Wren and Curved-Bill Thrashers build nests in upper branches for protection. Packrats use the joints for defense and for a source of water. During times of drought, Bighorn Sheep may rely on the juicy fruit for food and water.

1997