Cylindropuntia kleiniae

Cylindropuntia kleiniae (synonym Opuntia kleiniae) is a peculiar prickly pear cactus that will delight collectors of cacti and other succulent plants. This cousin of the Barbary Fig develops slender cylindrical branches armed with long and formidable whitish spikes, forming a small bush with a delicate appearance. In early summer, ephemeral but delicate magenta-violet flowers with a yellow centre appear. Its cultivation in rocky and well-drained soil poses no problem if the soil is dry in winter. Surprising in a minimalist setting, spectacular against a backdrop of rocks and blue sky, it naturally structures exotic, contemporary, and of course dry and wild gardens.

Cylindropuntia kleiniae is a succulent plant without leaves from the Cactaceae family. This botanical species is native to arid regions of New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, where it grows at altitudes between 700 and 1200m (2297 and 3937ft). This cactus forms a sparsely branched bush with a slightly upright habit over a few years. An adult specimen can reach 1.75 to 2m (6 to 7ft) in height and 1 to 1.2m (3 to 4ft) in width under favourable conditions. The vegetation consists of a trunk dividing into structural branches called articles, in the shape of long cylinders with a diameter of 1cm (0.4 in), erect towards the sky. Their slightly glaucous grey-green surface is covered with protuberances. They are adorned with an abundance of long acute spikes, which are very dangerous when handled. In June, solitary magenta-violet flowers in cups of 3 to 5cm (1 to 2in) in diameter appear at the ends of the floral articles, centred on a yellow stamen heart. Occasionally, parts of the plant fall to the ground and root upon contact.

This cactus is hardy up to -15°C (5°F) without protection, but only in perfectly drained, dry, rocky, or sandy soil. In a favourable climate, it will find its place in a large rock garden, a gravel bed, or at the edges of a dry garden, where its somewhat twisted silhouette will stand out against a mineral and austere backdrop composed of a few grasses, agaves, Hesperaloe parviflora, and other desert plants such as Yuccas and Dasylirions. It is entirely possible to cultivate this Cylindropuntia in a pot on a terrace, carefully choosing the sunniest spot, which allows it to be protected from rain in winter.