Opuntia polyacantha var. rufispina


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusOpuntia
Speciespolyacantha
Varietyrufispina
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginWestern United States of America.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8 - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-9) - 10
Temperature (°F)15 - 50
Height40 cm
Spread2-3 m

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLow mat or clump forming with large bluish-green terminal joints.
PropagationCuttings can be taken from woody stems, allow to callus before planting. Seeds can be sown immediately after the first frost and planted as soon as the ground is workable.
CultivationSandy soil in full sun to partial shade, drought tolerant.
HabitatDesserts and wetlands at an altitude of 1,2000-2,100 m.
Leaf DescriptionStiff, straight spines, white or grey in colour, 6-10 per areole, 1.2-8 cm long.
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, densely covered in spines, 2-4 x 1.2-2.5 cm.

Photographs