Did you know that there are over 1700 species of cacti—spiny plants that have evolved to survive some of the harshest environments on earth. Over the course of their evolutionary history, most species ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Raul Puente-Martinez has been pierced by quite a number of cactus ...

As anyone who’s gotten too close to a jumping cholla cactus can attest, the experience is singularly painful — and difficult to resolve, as the cactus’ spines are particularly stubborn to remove.

If you've ever been poked by a Cholla Cactus, you may have gotten yourself into an even stickier situation by trying to pull ...

Scientists have unraveled some of the mechanical mysteries behind the pokes and prods of cacti. Like porcupine quills, the barbed spines of some cactus species easily puncture their prey but are ...

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Beware the jumping cholla, Cylindropuntia fulgida. This shrubby, branching cactus will - if provoked by touching - anchor its splayed spines in the flesh of the offender. The barbed ...

After encountering a cholla cactus, Charlie had to have spines removed from his eyes, mouth, and paws by Arizona Humane Society veterinarians Kelli Bender is the Pets Editor at PEOPLE. She has been ...

The spines of the jumping cholla cactus slide in with ease, but they’re grueling to extract. You can thank their barbs. ByKatherine J. Wu Tuesday, November 20, 2018 NOVA NextNOVA Next This unfortunate ...

The jumping cholla cactus’ innocuous, shrub-like appearance belies its prickly spines’ strength: As a new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B reveals, a single cholla spine embedded ...