Sunrise Behind The Cholla
The Short Story Behind The Photo
Patiently waiting for wild horses to appear in the Tonto National Forest a few Saturdays ago at sunrise, I started really looking at the scruffy cactus nicknamed the ‘Teddy Bear Cholla’ that could be seen in abundance all around me. Curious, I wanted to know more.
These cacti are indeed beautiful, especially when the morning light shines behind them, but be warned – their spikes have a devious way of latching onto unsuspecting hikers, bikers and wanderers, posing a serious threat!
Chollas Support Wildlife
The Cholla cactus, pronounced “chaa·luh,” resembles long-necked geese or even a giraffe.
It serves as a vital food source and a place of refuge for bees, hummingbirds, the Cactus wren, curve-billed thrashers, white-winged doves, and various other birds. In addition, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and javelina also consume the fruit produced by the Cholla cactus.
Also, as cats cannot climb Cholla, they provide a safe bird habitat in urban areas.
Fun Fact: Some non-stinging solitary bees will rest inside the flowers of the Cholla cactus when they close up at night leaving again in the morning when the flowers reopen. How cool is that!
Prepare For A Cholla Encounter
When you’re out hiking in areas where these cacti thrive, it’s common for their spines to hitch a ride on your shoes, skin, or clothes if you get too close. In addition, each spine tip is covered with a multitude of barbs, which increase the surface area at its tip for maximum adhesion.
If that happens, one handy tool to carry along in your back is a large-toothed comb, which works wonders for removing those pesky spines from your skin. If you don’t have a comb, a pair of long forceps would also do the job. In case you don’t have these tools, you can fasten a tweezer-like tool out of two sturdy sticks, which can help you carefully remove the barbed spines (MacGyver moment).
What to do after a run-in with a Cholla. I am not a clinician, but I do Google stuff. Although the needles don’t hold poison, the pricks on your skin can be painful and could become infected. After removing the spikes, keep the punctures clean, use an antiseptic ointment and stay well-hydrated. Depending on the number of pricks, you may have substantial pain, so perhaps a pain reliever is also necessary.
It's Time To Go
Don’t be fooled by its other nickname, “the teddy bear cholla.” This plant is definitely not something you’d want to cuddle up to.
I’ve discovered that the key to avoiding a jumping cholla’s embrace is to keep a safe distance and stay aware of your surroundings. Good advice for wherever you are in the world because, along your way, you may also come across plant species whose names are deceiving.
Cheers to your next adventure!
Welcome! I’m Kirsti, and for my whole life, I’ve been curious to know more.
As I journey forward, exploring the world around me, I often encounter new and fascinating experiences.
Whether it’s a stunning natural landscape, a bustling city street, or a quaint village tucked away in the countryside, there’s always something to discover and appreciate along the way.
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