Opuntia polyacantha var. trichophora


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciespolyacantha
Varietytrichophora
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginSouthern United States of America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height40 cm
Spread2-3 m
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLow mat or clump forming with large bluish-green terminal joints.
CultivationSandy soils, drought tolerant.
HabitatWoodland plains, hills or canyonsides at an altitude of 1,500-2,400 m.
Leaf DescriptionWispy white lower spines that cover the joints, 3.8-7.5 cm in length and the larger spines, 2.5 cm in length and a reddish-brown colour, 6-10 per areole.
Flower DescriptionYellow on occasion pink or red flowers with yellow filaments 9 mm in length, anthers 1.5 mm long and greenish-yellow style 12-22 mm.
Fruit DescriptionBrown or pale drown in colour, obovoid, covered in spines, 2-4 x 1.2-2.5 cm.

Photographs