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Looks can be deceiving, however. Certain plants may be appealing to the eyes, but can ruin your afternoon if you get too close. Needles on the Cholla plants, for example, can easily puncture clothing and even tires. The Yucca plant and Cat’s Claw also present hazards, and should be avoided. |
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The Chollaas you might expect, is a member of the cactus family. Found throughout North and South America, it can grow up to 10 feet high depending on type. The following Chollas are found extensively in the southwestern part of the United States.
BuckhornSo named because its shape resembles antlers from a deer or elk. Its numerous stalks or “arms” are covered with short, stiff needles that can easily poke through clothing and skin. |
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Jumping ChollaAlso called the “teddy bear” Cholla because its many needles give it a fuzzy, huggable appearance. But you don’t want to hug one of these babies. In fact, you don’t really want to get close. The needles have a knack for jumping out at you—hence the name—and breaking off. No, this isn’t science fiction; it’s real.
Pencil ChollaComprised of many tall, thin stalks, these plants resemble cornstalks bundled up in fall. But don’t let the innocent appearance fool you. Those stalks—needles, actually—are razor sharp with needle-like tips. |
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Other plants to watch for include:
Cat’s clawThis is a vine, but it looks like a bush. Its name comes from the claw-like thorns that sprout throughout the plant. The thorns are small and may be hidden under leaves. It’s easy for your clothing to get hung up and for you to get cut up by the thorns as you’re walking by. Those things are nasty, so stay away.
Yucca plantThough not as annoying as a cactus, the long, pointed leaves of the Yucca tree can scratch or poke pretty well. On a trip in the Baja a few years ago, one of the guys wearing shorts was jabbed. It required a bit of digging in his thigh to remove the tip of the yucca stem.
If you get stuck by a needle, carefully remove it and clean the wound thoroughly. You can get a nasty infection if you allow the wound to fester. Make sure your first aid kit contains tweezers and some antibiotic ointment. Needles from the Cholla plants can puncture tires as well, so keep your distance. Those are handled as you would any other puncture. (see Tire Problems Shouldn’t Deflate Your Day) If the tire has been sliced open, however, you’ll need to swap on your spare. |
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The bottom line: When in the desert, take in the beauty and serenity of your surroundings, but keep the plants at a safe distance. |
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Related Articles at Badlands Off-Road Adventures |
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FYI, there are only two more clinics left in 2009 and there are two that you need to jump on early for 2010. |
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Sand Clinic December 5, 2009To register for the Sand Clinic use this link. http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Sand |
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Winch Clinic December 11, 2009More Details... You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Winch |
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Tread Trainer Clinic January 9, 2010
There is a Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer Clinic Jan 9, 2010 We would like to encourage you to sign up for the Tread Lightly! Tread Trainer Certification Clinic. This is a one day course. There is a minimal fee of $25 to cover class materials and handouts. It requires a commitment to teaching and spreading the word about Tread Lightly! Principles and outdoor ethics. You can find out more details on line at http://www.4x4training.com/TrainingClinics/Tread.html . And register on line at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#Tread. |
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Easter Safari March 29, 2010
Sign up for Easter Safari March 29 – April 2, 2010 It seems a long ways away, but all the trail rides are assigned by lottery. The submission date for the lottery is somewhere about the end of January. Most hotels, RV parks and camp grounds need to be reserved this month. They are all close to being sold out. So if you think you might want to go to the Easter Safari this year with Badlands Off-Road Adventures, you need to register soon at http://4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#EJS. A few pictures: http://4x4training.com/images/Moab/Moabpicture.html Check out http://4x4training.com/Adventures/EasterSafari/EJSMain.html You can register directly at http://www.4x4training.com/calendar/calendar.php#EJS |
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