Chollaí

Chollaí is a genus of cacti belonging to the subfamily Opuntioideae. These plants are native to arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas, primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Cholla cacti are characterized by their segmented, cylindrical stems, often referred to as "pads" or "joints." These segments are typically covered in sharp, barbed spines that can detach easily and adhere to anything that brushes against them, a distinctive feature that gives them their common name, which is derived from the Nahuatl word "chōlli."

The spines of cholla are not merely defensive; they also serve to collect moisture from the air and provide shade for the plant's surface. The plant's growth habit varies, with some species forming dense, shrub-like structures while others grow taller and more tree-like. Cholla flowers are often vibrant, appearing in shades of pink, purple, yellow, or white, and typically bloom in late spring or early summer. Following flowering, they produce fruit that can be fleshy and edible, or dry and dehiscent, depending on the species.

Many species of cholla are well-adapted to survive in harsh desert environments, tolerating extreme temperatures and drought. They reproduce both sexually through seeds and asexually through stem fragmentation, where detached segments can easily root and grow into new plants. The distinctive spiny segments and their ability to easily break off have led to the development of specialized dispersal mechanisms, often involving animals that inadvertently carry the segments to new locations.