Status:
valid
Authors:
Engelm.
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1856
Citation Micro:
in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 3: 298. 1856.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287143
Common Names
- Rufida Opuntia
- Opuntia rufida
- Rufida Cactus
Description
Opuntia rufida (also called Red 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 rufida is used as an ornamental plant, as a source of food, and in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Opuntia rufida 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.
Cultivation and Propagation
Opuntia rufida is a fast-growing cactus that prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Propagation is done by seed or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a sterile, sandy mix and kept moist until germination. Stem cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and allowed to dry for a few days before planting in a well-draining soil mix.
Where to Find Opuntia rufida
Opuntia rufida is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Tamaulipas.
Opuntia rufida FAQ
What is the scientific name of Opuntia rufida?
Opuntia rufida
What is the common name of Opuntia rufida?
Red Prickly Pear
What is the natural habitat of Opuntia rufida?
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,