Tasajillo

Description:

is an cylindrical evergreen Opuntia that is native from Arizona to Texas and southwest Oklahoma and as far south as northern Mexico. In nature, the plants can reach up to 5 feet (1.5m) tall with a 3 foot (1 m) spread. The cylindrical stems are 3/16 inches (~5 mm) thick; joints are anywhere from 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 12 inches (30 cm) long, becoming very woody with age. Spines are slender and usually one per areole, with lengths reaching from 0.75 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) long. In early spring, the new growth has numerous small deciduous leaves.

Habitat:

Chihuahuan desert