Opuntia imbricata (Devils Rope, Tree Cactus)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesimbricata
SynonymsCylindropuntia imbricata
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginUnited States of America and Mexico.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionSmall tree or shrub with prominent tubercles, its spines are densely grouped together and is especially painful when touched.
CultivationGravelly or sandy soils.
HabitatHills, flats, valleys and plains in grasslands at an altitude of 1,200-1,800 m.
Leaf DescriptionStraight red or pink spines, 10-30 per areole and spread in all directions, 1.2-3 cm in length.
Flower Description5-7.5 cm in diameter, reddish-purple in colour, narrow and obovate. Filaments are a purplish-green and 6 mm long with yellow anthers.
Fruit DescriptionYellow fleshy fruit, spineless and obovoid, 2.5-4.5 cm in length and 2-3 cm in diameter.

Photographs