Status:
valid
Authors:
K.Schum. ex B.L.Rob.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1902
Citation Micro:
in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 38: 180. 1902.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001289397
Common Names
- Opuntia Helleri
- Helleri Prickly Pear Cactus
- Helleri Nopal Cactus
Description
Opuntia helleri (also called Heller's Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is found in dry, rocky habitats and has a flattened, oval shape with yellow spines. It has yellow flowers and red fruits.
Uses & Benefits
Opuntia helleri is a cactus species native to South America. It is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Opuntia helleri is yellow, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is a small, black, round seed with a diameter of about 1 mm. The seedlings are small, round, and green.
Cultivation and Propagation
Opuntia helleri is a low-growing, mat-forming cactus native to the Sonoran Desert in Arizona and Mexico. It is a fast-growing species that can be propagated from stem cuttings. To propagate, take stem cuttings from the plant in spring or summer and allow them to dry out for a few days before planting. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining soil mix and keep them in a warm, sunny location. Water the cuttings regularly until they are established.
Where to Find Opuntia helleri
Opuntia helleri is native to Mexico and parts of the United States.
Opuntia helleri FAQ
What is the scientific name of Opuntia helleri?
Opuntia helleri
What is the common name of Opuntia helleri?
Heller's Prickly Pear
What type of plant is Opuntia helleri?
Cactus
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,