Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
pusilla
ID:
1287804

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Haw.) Haw.

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1812

Citation Micro:
Syn. Pl. Succ.: 195. 1812.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287142

Common Names

  • Pusilla Opuntia
  • Opuntia pusilla
  • Pusilla Cactus

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Description

Opuntia pusilla (also called Dwarf 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 pusilla is used as an ornamental plant, as a source of food, and in traditional medicine.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Opuntia pusilla 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 pusilla is a low-growing, mat-forming cactus that is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It grows in dry, sandy, rocky soils in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is by seed or stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and allowed to dry for a few days before planting. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept warm and moist until germination occurs.

Where to Find Opuntia pusilla

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

Opuntia pusilla FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia pusilla?

Opuntia pusilla

What is the common name of Opuntia pusilla?

Little Prickly Pear

What is the natural habitat of Opuntia pusilla?

Deserts of the southwestern United States

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,