Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
megacantha
ID:
386283

Status:
valid

Authors:
Salm-Dyck

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1834

Citation Micro:
Hort. Dyck.: 363. 1834.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000385615

Common Names

  • Opuntia megacantha
  • Large-spined Prickly Pear
  • Megacantha Prickly Pear

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Synonyms

  • Opuntia robusta megacantha (Salm-Dyck) Schelle [unknown]

Description

Opuntia megacantha (also called Giant Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a large, cactus-like plant native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. It has a thick, green stem and its leaves are small and oval-shaped. It grows in dry, sandy areas and can survive in extreme temperatures.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia megacantha is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and stomach aches. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a food source.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Opuntia megacantha has yellow flowers with a white center. The seeds are small and round, and the seedlings are slender and have a single, long leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia megacantha is a species of cactus native to Mexico. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. The seed should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.

Where to Find Opuntia megacantha

Opuntia megacantha is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Baja California, Sonora, and Sinaloa.

Opuntia megacantha FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia megacantha?

Opuntia megacantha

What is the common name of Opuntia megacantha?

Large-spined Prickly Pear

What type of plant is Opuntia megacantha?

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,