Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata f. monstrosa - Boxing Glove Cactus

Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata f. monstrosa - Boxing Glove Cactus

You will receive the exact specimen shown here.
These were Grandmama's very favorite!
Measures 8" tall.
Roots as shown.
Will be shipped bare root.

Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata f. monstrosa, commonly known as the Boxing Glove Cholla or Crested Cholla, is a rare natural mutation of the chain fruit cholla. It is a unique, crested form of the cactus, prized by collectors for its unusual, contorted growth.

DESCRIPTION and CHARACTERISTICS:

• Appearance: Unlike the typical cylindrical segments of other chollas, this form develops unusual, flattened, and wavy stem segments that often resemble "boxing gloves" or a "boa asleep". The segments are grey-green and have strongly mammillate (bumpy) tubercles.
• Spines: It has sparse, short spines (usually 1-2 cm long) with tight-fitting sheaths, making the segments appear nearly spineless from a distance compared to the densely spined Cylindropuntia fulgida var. fulgida.
• Growth Habit: It grows as a slow-growing shrub, typically reaching about 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. It can be an environmental weed in some non-native areas, as the segments easily detach and can root to form new plants, though this specific form typically does not produce flowers or fruit.
• Habitat: This form is native to the Sonoran Desert in south-central Arizona, U.S., and parts of Mexico, growing in sandy flats, rocky slopes, and desert grasslands.

CULTIVATION and CARE:

The Boxing Glove Cholla is a popular ornamental plant. 

• Sun Requirements: It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: It requires well-draining, gritty, or rocky soil.
• Watering: It is highly drought-tolerant once established and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
• Propagation: The plant is typically propagated from cuttings of its easily detachable stem segments.

NOMENCLATURE:

The scientific name reflects its characteristics:

• Cylindropuntia: Refers to the genus of chollas, distinguished by their cylindrical stems and papery spine sheaths.
• fulgida: The species name for the chain fruit cholla.
• var. mamillata: Denotes a variety with distinct, bumpy tubercles.
• f. monstrosa: Refers to the "monstrous" or crested growth form.