Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
cochenillifera
ID:
1420636

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Mill.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1768

Citation Micro:
Gard. Dict.: Opuntia No. 6. 1768.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001433101

Common Names

  • Opuntia cochenillifera
  • Cochenillifera Opuntia
  • Opuntia Cochineal Cactus

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Description

Opuntia cochenillifera (also called Cochineal Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It is a shrubby cactus with flattened, segmented stems and yellow flowers. It is found in dry, rocky habitats in the mountains of northern Mexico.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia cochenillifera is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as an ingredient in traditional medicine.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Opuntia cochenillifera has yellow flowers with a diameter of 1.5 cm. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, green and have a single stem.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia cochenillifera is a cactus that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is best propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining medium and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of stems and placed in a moist, well-draining medium.

Where to Find Opuntia cochenillifera

Opuntia cochenillifera can be found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Opuntia cochenillifera FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia cochenillifera?

Opuntia cochenillifera

What is the common name of Opuntia cochenillifera?

Cochineal Prickly Pear

Where is Opuntia cochenillifera native to?

Mexico

Species in the Opuntia genus

Opuntia megacantha, Opuntia microdasys, Opuntia laiglonii, Opuntia lucayana, Opuntia macrantha, Opuntia lutea, Opuntia lucida, Opuntia longispina, Opuntia piccolomini, Opuntia pittieri, Opuntia opuntia, Opuntia occidentalis, Opuntia peckii, Opuntia phyllacantha, Opuntia pennellii, Opuntia papyracantha, Opuntia fragilis, Opuntia flavispina, Opuntia stricta, Opuntia straminea, Opuntia stenarthra, Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia glaucophylla, Opuntia elisae, Opuntia elatior, Opuntia effulgia, Opuntia diversispina, Opuntia festiva, Opuntia inaequilateralis, Opuntia humifusa, Opuntia horstii, Opuntia kuehnrichii, Opuntia jussieui, Opuntia intermedia, Opuntia ithypetala, Opuntia irrorata, Opuntia guatemalensis, Opuntia hondurensis, Opuntia hitchenii, Opuntia hanburyana, Opuntia virens, Opuntia woodsii, Opuntia rooneyi, Opuntia urbaniana, Opuntia salmii, Opuntia salicornoides, Opuntia pubescens, Opuntia protracta, Opuntia praecox, Opuntia reptans,

Species in the Cactaceae family

Acanthocalycium glaucum, Acanthocalycium spiniflorum, Acanthocalycium thionanthum, Acanthocalycium leucanthum, Acanthocalycium rhodotrichum, Acanthocalycium klimpelianum, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus guatemalensis, Acanthocereus maculatus, Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus castellae, Acanthocereus cuixmalensis, Acanthocereus fosterianus, Acanthocereus haackeanus, Acanthocereus hesperius, Acanthocereus hirschtianus, Acanthocereus macdougallii, Acanthocereus oaxacensis, Acanthocereus paradoxus, Acanthocereus rosei, Acanthocereus tepalcatepecanus, Acanthocereus atropurpureus, Acharagma aguirreanum, Acharagma roseanum, Airampoa albisaetacens, Airampoa armata, Airampoa ayrampo, Airampoa boliviensis, Airampoa cedergreniana, Airampoa chilensis, Airampoa corrugata, Airampoa erectoclada, Airampoa ianthinantha, Airampoa microdisca, Airampoa minuscula, Airampoa orurensis, Airampoa panellana, Airampoa picardoi, Airampoa silvestris, Airampoa tilcarensis, Aporepiphyllum freiburgensis, Aporocactus flagelliformis, Aporocactus martianus, Aporocactus moennighoffii, Aporocactus knebelii, Aporoheliocereus smithianus, Ariocarpus agavoides, Ariocarpus bravoanus, Ariocarpus drabi,

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Philip Miller (1691-1771): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Mill.' in the authors string.