Just about every plant in the Sonoran Desert has thorns. And, just like roses, beautiful flowers as well. The top photo is of Chain Fruit Cholla or also called Jumping Cholla. And, it is called Jumping Cholla for a reason. You'll walk by and swear that you never got close to it but there is a clump sticking in your arm nonetheless. The second photo is Staghorn Cholla. And the third one, worst of all, is Christmas Cactus. Not sure why it is called Christmas Cactus other than they like to leave little "gifts" in your arms, hands, legs -- anything exposed. If you get a clump of cholla stuck in you, the best way to get it out is with a comb. Just about anything else could make it worse. If you get a thorn, then tweezers are necessary. And, if the thorn is in pretty far into your skin and still long enough, cutting the tip of the thorn before pulling will help. The thorns are hollow and cutting the end reduces the pressure. The problem with the Christmas Cactus is that all the thorns are tiny. They are hard to see. Definitely, though, tweezers (and a magnifying glass) are the only answer. Some people try tape, although I have never had much luck with it. It seems to make matters worse for me. Anyway, enjoy the beauty -- but from a safe distance.
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