Cylindropuntia leptocaulis
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis, the desert Christmas cactus, desert Christmas cholla, pencil cactus, or tasajillo, is a species of cholla cactus.
Description
The shrubby Cylindropuntia leptocaulis plants reach tall, reaching the extreme height when supported within desert trees. Branches are narrow, 3–5 mm across. Spines 0-1 at each areole. Flowers open in the late afternoon and are pale yellow or greenish yellow, with occasional red tips.
Distribution and habitat
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis is widely distributed in deserts, grasslands, chaparral, and woodlands in the Southwestern United States and several states in Northern Mexico.
Use
The fruits are crushed and mixed with a beverage by the Apache, Chiricahua, and Mescalero to produce narcotic effects.