Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
polyacantha
ID:
1287701

Status:
valid

Authors:
Haw.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1819

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

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287039

Common Names

  • Common Prickly Pear
  • Prickly Pear
  • Prickly Pear Cactus

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Description

Opuntia polyacantha (also called Many-Spined Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. It is a shrubby cactus with cylindrical stems that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems are covered with spines, and the flowers are yellow. It is found in dry, rocky habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia polyacantha is a popular ornamental plant that is used in gardens and homes. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat a variety of ailments, such as headaches, fever, and stomach problems.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Opuntia polyacantha var. nicholii (L.D.Benson) B.D.Parfitt
Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) B.D.Parfitt
Opuntia polyacantha var. polyacantha
Opuntia polyacantha var. hystricina (Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow) B.D.Parfitt

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Opuntia polyacantha is yellow in color, with a diameter of about 2 cm. The seed is small, round, and black in color. The seedlings are small and spiny.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia polyacantha can be propagated through seed or offsets. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun. Water when the soil is dry, and fertilize in the spring and summer.

Where to Find Opuntia polyacantha

Opuntia polyacantha is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.

Opuntia polyacantha FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia polyacantha?

Opuntia polyacantha

What is the common name of Opuntia polyacantha?

Desert Prickly Pear

What is the natural habitat of Opuntia polyacantha?

It is native to the US states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

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,