The cholla (genus Cylindropuntia ) it is a vegetable only recently differentiated from the most famous prickly pear (Genus Opuntia ). The two plants, in addition to sharing the botanical Family and Subfamily (Cactaceae and Opuntioideae), are linked by different morphological aspects.
NB . Often the term "cholla" is used to identify other Cylindropuntia, but in reality it is a species in itself. Sometimes, the genus Opuntia and the Cholla species of the genus Cylindropuntia are enclosed in the wording opuntiads .
Compared to prickly pear, the cholla has a cylindrical rather than flattened section and presents a quite different distribution and morphology of the spines.
The joints of the segments of some Species belonging to the Genus Cylindropuntia, in particular of the so-called "cholla saltatore" ( Cylindropuntia fulgida ), are very fragile and, remaining attached to the fur of the animals that rub themselves, act as means of reproductive propagation.
