Jumping cholla
Biosecurity Queensland must be notified within 24 hours Ph. 13 25 23
Biosecurity Queensland Must attend site before any control measure is administered, advise will be provided to the land holder at this time
Small infestation found in Longreach, Queensland.
Prefers semi-arid and arid rangeland in subtropical areas.
Erect, tree like
Sharp spines threaten native animals, bushwalkers and farm animals with the spines capable of penetrating boots and tyres.
Stem segments are dull-green to greenish-grey, whorled or subwhorled, cylindrical, 4-15cm long, 4-5cm wide, waxy flaky surface when dry. Prominent tubercles and segments easily detached. Spines are light to dark brown, 7-11 per areole, 1-2cm long, interlacing, white to light-tan sheath firmly attached.
Flowers are rose to magenta, 25-30mm wide, fruit are obovoid to globose, solitary or forming chains, up to 20-50mm long, green.
This plant reproduces by seed and also vegetatively via its fleshy (i.e. succulent) stem fragments (i.e. the stem segments may become dislodged and produce roots). Stem fragments are spread by becoming attached to animals, footwear and vehicles. They may also be dispersed by floodwaters and in dumped garden waste. The fruit are eaten by various animals (e.g. birds and foxes) and the seeds then spread in their droppings.
Snake cactus
