There is lack of historical information on dates and modes of introduction as well as colonization and invasion processes of exotic plants in Zimbabwe. Cylindropuntia fulgida (Engelm.) F.M.Knuth var. fulgida (chain-fruit cholla, family Cactaceae), a native of arid desert of the Guaymas region of Sonora in northwestern Mexico is here recorded as having become naturalised and invasive in south-western areas of Zimbabwe. Notes on residence status, ecology and habitat of C. fulgida var. fulgida in south-western Zimbabwe are provided. A description and dichotomous key that can be used to distinguish it from the closely related C. imbricata (Haw.) F.M.Knuth is provided. The latter species is commonly grown in Zimbabwe while C. fulgida var. fulgida is spreading and has become firmly established as part of the introduced flora of Zimbabwe.