[Wikipedia] Description: Like its cousin the jumping cholla, the stems detach easily, and the ground around a mature plant is often littered with scattered cholla balls and small plants starting where these balls have rooted. The "jumping" part of the name is said to have originated because a person who is walking in the desert can step on a grounded stem with the heel of a boot or a shoe, which can cause the stem to swivel up and embed spines in the walker's calf. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)
Calflora:
Information on California plants for education, research and conservation,
with data contributed by
public and private institutions and individuals.
[web application]. 2025.The Calflora Database
[a non-profit organization].Available:
https://www.calflora.org/(Accessed: 03/28/2025).
