(photograph = Cylindropuntia tunicata, Frank Vincentz)
Introduction
C. tunicata forms masses of branching stems. The subshrubs may be 3-ft across and 5- to 15-inches tall with 5-10 spines at each areole that nearly obscure the stems, which break away easily. Flowers are greenish-yellow and 1 1/2- to 3-inches wide. Fruits are yellow or yellow-green and fleshy. Plants may bloom in May or June.
The Details
For a long time, C. tunicata was only known from one location in Pecos County, TX, but other populations have been found including plants in Brewster County. C. tunicata occurs on limestone rocky substrates.Cylindropuntia tunicata is also found in Mexico, and a population even occurs in Argentina. Such a large reported distribution is unusual for any plant and the question arises “Is C. tunicata a single taxon”? Perhaps humans accidentally introduced the species into South America or perhaps that population is different.
Related Reading: Cylindropuntia imbricata
