This was the first patch of cholla (CHOY-yuh) that we saw on our trip. We were driving through Joshua Tree National Park, which is probably about 1 1/2 hours east of LA. We were heading to Arizona and decided to detour through the park on our way. This cholla patch was at a lower elevation, maybe 2000 ft., in the part of the park in the Sonoran Desert. The park elevation rises to over 9000 ft. at the north end which is in the Mojave Desert. It turns out that cholla grows throughout Arizona as well, but I didn't know that when we came upon this patch. There are over 20 varieties. This variety is called Teddy Bear Cholla because from a distance its edges look soft and cuddly like a teddy bear. (They're not!)
1 comment:
These are unique and exciting to see. I have never known their name. Great job, as usual. Sounds like a marvelous trip, Meslissa. Happy New Year to you all!
Maybe next Christmas a Teddy Bear Cholla Gingerbread House??
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