Cholla Cactus Garden - Joshua Tree National Park
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member Bernd das Brot Team
N 33° 55.526 W 115° 55.730
11S E 599008 N 3754404
One of the highlights of Joshua Tree NP
Waymark Code: WM40KB
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/18/2008
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member TerryDad2
Views: 91
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Of course, the main plant in Joshua Tree National Park is the Joshua Tree, but this garden, full of Cholla Cacti is definitely one of the park’s main attractions.

In the North American deserts there are more than 20 species of Cholla cactus and most of them can be found here!

The name Cholla is applied to various shrubby cacti that have cylindrical stems composed of segmented joints in common. These stems are actually modified branches that serve several functions -- water storage, photosynthesis and flower production.
The best time to visit the park is spring when all the cacti are in bloom.
Here are two of the many Cholla species:
A Jumping Teddy Bear (left) and a Pencil Cholla (right).
This cactus appears to be covered with soft, silver bristles, which accounts for its common name "Teddy Bear." Each of the spines is tipped with a microscopic barb, and if one accidentally brushes up against it, the spines will drive deep into the skin and stay with you. It really seems like the cactus "jumps" at you but that is an illusion, though - as we can vouch – a very painful one. Opposite to the "Jumper", the Pencil Cholla is relatively safe to investigate a little more closely. The name refers to the long, slim, cylindrical joints. Those joints are covered with small, diamond-shapes plates and from each plate emerges a long spine, which in itself is composed of thousands of tiny, hairy-like small spines.
There is so much to see here – enjoy the tour and click on the pictures for larger images.
We say good bye with two pictures of our favorite: the Silver Cholla.

Park Name: joshua Tree National Park

Historic/Cultural Park: yes

Natural Park: yes

Recreation Area: yes

Wildlife Refuge: no

Park Website: [Web Link]

Type of Listing: Major Park Feature

Fees in Local Currency: 10.00 (listed in local currency)

Dates of Access: From: 01/01/2008 To: 12/31/2008

Hiking: yes

Camping: yes

Bicycling: yes

Horseback Riding: no

Off-Roading: no

Swimming: no

Snorkling/Scuba: no

Boating: no

Rock Climbing: yes

Fishing: no

Other Park Type not listed above: Not listed

Other Type Detail: Not listed

Hours available: Not listed

Other Activities: Not listed
Visit Instructions:

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