Cylindropuntia prolifera, known by the common name Coastal cholla, is a species of cactus.
Description Cylindropuntia prolifera is a mostly erect, treelike cactus which can approach 3 meters in maximum height. The gray-green segments are narrow and cylindrical, surfaced in fleshy tubercles bearing many brown or reddish spines up to 2 centimeters long. The flowers are reddish purple and often borne on the fruits of previous seasons. Fruits grow in chains of up to 5 and are green in color.
Distribution Cylindropuntia prolifera is native to Southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and beach and bluff habitat. It occurs from Santa Barbara County south.accessed 9/9/2010
See also California coastal sage and chaparral - (subecoregion)
External links Cylindropuntia prolifera photo gallery at Cholla Web Jepson Manual Treatment - Cylindropuntia prolifera USDA Plants Profile: Cylindropuntia prolifera Flora of North America
References