Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
fragilis
ID:
386412

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Nutt.) Haw.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1819

Citation Micro:
Suppl. Pl. Succ.: 82–83. 1819.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000385744

Common Names

  • Opuntia Fragilis
  • Prickly Pear
  • Fragilis Cactus

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Synonyms

  • Opuntia sabinii Pfeiff. [unknown]
  • Tunas fragilis Nieuwl. & Lunell [unknown]
  • Terecaulis fragilis (Nutt.) Berge [unknown]
  • Cactus fragilis Nutt. [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis brachyarthra (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) J.M.Coult. [unknown]
  • Opuntia brachyarthra Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis brachyarthra (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) Schelle [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis brachyarthra (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) F.A.C.Weber [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis caespitosa L.H.Bailey [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis denudata E.F.Wiegand & Backeb. [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis parviconspicua Backeb. [unknown]
  • Opuntia fragilis tuberiformis L.H.Bailey [unknown]

Description

Opuntia fragilis (also called Fragile Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has small, yellow flowers and its leaves are oval-shaped and have a greyish-green hue. It is found in dry, desert habitats and is adapted to survive in the arid conditions of the region.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia fragilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a groundcover and for erosion control. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headache, and stomach ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Opuntia fragilis has yellow flowers with red centers and green seed pods that contain small black seeds. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with a few leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia fragilis is a perennial cactus that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C (14°F). It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.

Where to Find Opuntia fragilis

Opuntia fragilis is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Durango.

Opuntia fragilis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia fragilis?

Opuntia fragilis

What is the common name of Opuntia fragilis?

Fragile Prickly Pear

Where is Opuntia fragilis native to?

North America

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

Thomas Nuttall (1786-1859): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Nutt.' in the authors string.
Adrian Hardy Haworth (1767-1833): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Haw.' in the authors string.