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Boxing Glove Cholla

Cylindropuntia fulgida var mamillata

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Boxing Glove Cholla

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Boxing Glove Cholla - Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata
Synonym: Opuntia fulgida var. mamillata (older usage)

Also known as the crested form of Jumping or Chain Fruit Cholla, Boxing Glove Cholla is a rare natural mutation of Cylindropuntia fulgida native to the Sonoran Desert. It gets its common name because the crested pads resemble boxing gloves. The gray-green pads are contorted, often concave, and sometimes develop unusual wavy growth patterns.

This is a slow-growing cactus that can eventually reach 3–5 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide. It thrives in well-draining soil and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant. Like other chollas, it produces chain-like fruits that may persist on the plant for years, offering food and habitat value to desert wildlife.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: Cactus-feeding moth larvae, including the invasive Cactus Moth (Cactoblastis cactorum)
Nectar Source: Verified for native bees and other generalist pollinators
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Hummingbirds (various spp.); LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei); Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); Gila Woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis)
Other Wildlife: Desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis); Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

n/a

Flower season:

n/a

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.