Cholla cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) is a type of cactus that is native to the Mojave and Sonoran deserts in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The plant is also known as jumping cholla because its barbed, spiny needles can detach from the stems easily and become embedded in the skin of passersby.
Despite its name, jumping cholla does not actually jump. The barbed needles simply fall off the plant when they come into contact with something, such as an animal or a person. Once the needle is embedded in the skin, it can be very difficult to remove.
If you find yourself with a cholla needle in your skin, the best thing to do is to slowly and carefully pull it out. If you try to yank it out quickly, you may end up breaking off the needle and making the situation worse.