Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
opuntia
ID:
386378

Status:
valid

Authors:
J.M.Coult.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1896

Citation Micro:
in Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 3: 432. 1896.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000385710

Common Names

  • Opuntia Opuntia
  • Prickly Pear
  • Opuntia Cactus

Searching for Opuntia opuntia? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Description

Opuntia opuntia (also called Common 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 opuntia 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 opuntia 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.

Searching for Opuntia opuntia? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia opuntia 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 opuntia

Opuntia opuntia is native to Mexico and can be found in the deserts of the North American southwest.

Opuntia opuntia FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia opuntia?

Opuntia opuntia

What is the common name of Opuntia opuntia?

Common Prickly Pear

What type of plant is Opuntia opuntia?

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,

References