Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
praecox
ID:
386676

Status:
valid

Authors:
J.Forbes

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1837

Citation Micro:
Hort. Tour Germ.: 160. 1837.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000386008

Common Names

  • Opuntia praecox
  • Early Prickly Pear
  • Earlyflower Prickly Pear

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Description

Opuntia praecox (also called praecox prickly pear, among many other common names) is a perennial succulent cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has flat, oval-shaped pads with yellow or pink flowers, and yellow or red fruits. It grows in dry, sandy soils and can tolerate drought and heat.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia praecox is used as an ornamental plant, for erosion control, and as a source of food for wildlife.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Opuntia praecox has yellow flowers with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm. Its seeds are small, black and round in shape. The seedlings are green and have a diameter of 1-2 cm.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia praecox is a low-growing, shrubby cactus native to the southwestern United States. It is best grown in a well-draining, sandy soil in full sun. Propagation is done by seed or cuttings.

Where to Find Opuntia praecox

Opuntia praecox is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is found in dry, rocky areas, including deserts and canyons.

Opuntia praecox FAQ

What is the natural habitat of Opuntia praecox?

Opuntia praecox is native to Mexico.

What type of soil does Opuntia praecox prefer?

Opuntia praecox prefers well-draining, sandy soil.

How often should Opuntia praecox be watered?

Opuntia praecox should be watered once a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season.

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