• Low shrub up to 0.4–1m tall.
• Spines are light to dark brown, 7–11 per areole, 1–2cm long, interlacing, white to light-tan sheath firmly attached.
• Flowers are rose to magenta, 25–30mm wide.
• Stem segments are dull-green to greenish-grey, whorled or subwhorled, cylindrical, 4–15cm long, 4–5cm wide, waxy flaky surface when dry. Prominent tubercles and segments easily detached.
• Fruit are obovoid to globose, solitary or forming chains, up to 20–50mm long, green.

• Prefers semi-arid and arid rangeland in subtropical areas.

• Small infestation found in Longreach, Queensland.

Environmental

• Destroys native pastures.

Economic

• Becomes costly and time-consuming to control.

Social

• Sharp spines threaten native animals, bushwalkers and farm animals.
• Spines can penetrate boots and tyres.

• Spread by animals, vehicles and people.
• Can spread vegetatively.
• Spread by seed not seen in Australia.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Phone 13 25 23 if you find a plant you suspect may be jumping cholla to seek advice on control options.

• Jumping cholla is a category 2, 3, 4 and 5 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not keep, move, give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• All sightings of jumping cholla must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland within 24 hours of the sighting.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with jumping cholla under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local council must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on jumping cholla. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.