Thanks so much for the detailed explanation, something I was having a difficult time finding easily. Our first encounter with a cholla was at Superstitious Mountain, and I too can understand the 'jumping' part (not sure which species may have been there, they were just referred to as jumping chollas with the warning to stay far away from them). I've only visited the SE desert in the winter, have not had the pleasure of seeing it bloom, so can't speak to the color of the flowers. Sounds like my photo is in its proper place as a teddy bear. And now I've learned something new today! Bonus.
