Silver Cholla

(Cylindropuntia echinocarpa)

Silver Cholla is a species of cactus known by the common names silver cholla, golden cholla, and Wiggins' cholla. Silver cholla is a large, tree-like cactus which may exceed 2 m (6.6 ft) in height. The flowers are usually greenish yellow, sometimes pinkish or brownish in color. The fruit is lumpy, spiny, and tan in color, with white seeds and a foul scent, reminiscent of rancid butter. It measures up to two centimeters long. Very few fruits reach maturity, and many immature fruits can often be seen lying on the ground below.