Opuntia bigelovii (Teddy-bear Cholla)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciesbigelovii
SynonymsCylindropuntia bigelovii
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginCalifornia and Arizona, United States of America.

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA small tree, given its common name of Teddy-bear Cholla from its cuddly and fuzzy appearance, however it is a very densely spined plant.
Leaf DescriptionShort branches densely packed and obscured with pinkish-tan or reddish-brown spines, spines turn black with maturity. Spines are 6-10 per areole, straight and spread in all directions, 1.5-2.5 cm in length.
Flower DescriptionLight green or yellow flowers streaked with lavender, 2.4-4 cm in diameter, green filaments, 6 mm long and 5 thick stigmas, 3 mm in length.
Fruit DescriptionYellow or greenish-yellow, fleshy, tuberculate, 2 x 0.9 cm.

Photographs