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Jumping Cholla
Opuntia fulgida (Cylindropuntia fulgida) Chain-fruit cholla, Cholla brincadora, Velas de coyote
Description Jumping cholla is a tree-like cactus that in rare circumstances can reach 12 feet in height, though normally it is between 3-9 feet tall. This cactus has a thickened and branching trunk upon which joints of varying lengths form and radiate outward. The green fruits are oval and uniquely chain downwards, one fruit growing out of the previous. As these cacti age the fruited chains become quite long; they are easily broken and seem to “jump” to anyone brushing by them. The flowers are rose-purple with pink and yellow tinges. The larger thorns, which cover the trunk, are surrounded by papery sheaths that tend to glisten with bright sunlight. Most of the fruits are sterile, which does not affect the plants successfulness, for it excels at asexual reproduction. Any joint or seedless fruit that falls to the ground will almost invariably take root.
Distribution From sea level to 3,600 feet Jumping cholla is found on gravely and sandy soils. It inhabits flats as well as rocky foothills. From central Arizona, it ranges south.
Chemistry Similar to Prickly pear, Jumping cholla has carbohydrate-containing polymers, consisting of a mixture of mucilage and pectin; calcium oxalate
Medicinal Uses Jumping cholla root tea is diuretic. It is soothing to urinary tract pain and irritation. The root also has a widespread reputation in diminishing kidney and bladder gravel; it is most likely of use with uric acid/low pH urine deposits. Using the root tea as a kidney stone preventive is its optimal application.
The gum from Jumping cholla dissolved in water and drunk is soothing to gastrointestinal inflammation. Like Prickly pear, the gum augments gastric mucus making its application useful in healing peptic ulcers, gastritis, or soothing intestinal irritation associated with diarrhea. Topically the gum mixed with water is soothing to burns, bites, and rashes.
Indications Urinary tract irritability, pain Urinary gravel preventive/uric acid stones Peptic ulcers/gastritis Diarrhea with intestinal inflammation Burns/skin irritation (external)
Collection When digging Jumping cholla roots start at least 1 foot out from the central trunk as the plant sends out secondary horizontal roots close to the surface for rainfall absorption. As you dig closer to the central roots, collect the secondary roots. The main anchoring roots will be directly under the cactus trunk. These tap roots are thicker and reach deeper into the ground. The ideal sized plant to collect is 2-3 feet in height; the bigger the plant the more spines and branches there will be to navigate. After finishing spread the fruits and branches around the area, this will insure a plentiful recovery in the future.
The gum, which occasionally exudes from injuries along the trunk or joints, dries in varying sized nodules. After dislodging the gum from its anchor point, scrape off any embedded thorns or debris.
Preparations Cut the roots into ¼-½ inch sections and dry normally. The gum can be stored as is or broken into smaller chunks for future use. In preparing the gum tea, use ½-ounce in weight of material in 1 pint of water. Simmer, stir, and strain well.
Dosage Root/gum tea: 4-8 ounces 2-3 times daily Gum tea: apply as needed
Cautions Consuming an excess of Jumping cholla for medicine or food, like Prickly pear, may usher in chills and attending elevated temperature.
Other Uses Occasionally very large gum nodules can be found. Often the center part is relatively soft. This can be cut into pieces and eaten. The Seri Indians of northwest Mexico consider it a supplementary food.
The most recently developed fruits at the end of the fruit chain can be peeled and eaten. Some will be seed filled, others not. Whether eaten raw or cooked, they are mild tasting and mucilaginous. Be mindful of the very small thorns, called glochids. They cover most parts of the plant. |