Opuntia acanthocarpa var. coloradensis


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesacanthocarpa
Varietycoloradensis
SynonymsCylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. coloradensis
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginCalifornia, Nevada, Utah and Arizona; United States of America.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA large shrub or small tree that generally hovers above the lower plant life surrounding it. It will form vast forests in certain areas producing a beautiful view.
CultivationSandy or gravelly soils.
HabitatMountain slopes, flats, washes in the desert and flats at an altitude of 600-1,300 m. Commonly found in the Mojavean Desert.
Leaf DescriptionThin, long leaves, 12 x 1.5 mm. Spines are a tan to pale yellow colour which turn brown then black as they mature, straight, long and spread in all directions.
Flower Description4-5.5 cm in diameter, a greenish yellow in colour with purplish veins and purplish tips, filaments, 9-12 mm in length and red in colour with yellow anthers.
Fruit DescriptionFalls in late summer or autumn. Seeds are a light tan or off white colour, flat with an irregular angle; 5-8 x 3-5 mm.

Photographs