Native to high elevations in Ecuador and Peru, Austrocylindropuntia subulata is a bit different from a typical Cholla. It's stems are fleshier and the plant has pointed vestigial leaves on the new growth. It's also less spiny though the spines are fierce. It's fast growing and can reach a height of 10 to 15 feet and 10 feet in width. Unlike some other Opuntias the stems resume growth from where they left off the previous season, rather than producung new segments. It reportedly produces red flowers.
     This was a cutting I put in the yard 10 years ago or so. It's been pruned back many times and the main stem is now almost 4 inches around. It's never flowered for me even once, it probably doesn't get enough sun.