^{(Photograph = Corynopuntia clavata)}

Introduction

Corynopuntia is the genus of dog chollas. They are low-growing plants, often unnoticed because they are covered with pale spines and dust and, thus, blend into the scenery. 

The Details

Corynopuntia clavata is restricted to New Mexico in the United States according to the Flora of North America online, but it may occur in far eastern AZ near Lupton.  The plants form mats of club-shaped cladodes. Spines are dull white or white and glochids are typically pale yellow or yellowish white. Lower spines bend down and are dagger like. Due to dust, the plants are often dirty white in situ. From late summer to mid-spring the plants often appear dead because they are dirty and dehydrated. In spring, stems turn green and the beautiful flowers appear. See the original description (as Opuntia clavata).