Opuntia tunicata var. davisii


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciestunicata
Varietydavisii
SynonymsCylindropuntia tunicata var. davisii
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginUnited States of America, Mexico, Cuba, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionSmall golden shrubs with barbed spines, often hidden among the tall grasslands it grows within.
CultivationDry, sandy soils.
HabitatPlans and hills at an altitude of 600-1,500 m. Commonly found in the Great Plains Grassland and other grasslands.
Leaf DescriptionMany stems that are densely branched, elongate and ovate-acute leaves 2-3 mm in length. Golden-yellow or tan spines, 3.8-5 cm and 6-10 per areole, which spread in all directions.
Flower DescriptionGreenish yellow with a hue of red, 3 cm in diameter, filaments 6 mm long and yellow anthers 1.5 mm in length.
Fruit Description3 x 2.5 cm in size, with seeds a light tan in colour, 2.5 mm in length.

Photographs