Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
spinulosa
ID:
386730

Status:
valid

Authors:
Salm-Dyck

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1845

Citation Micro:
Cact. Hort. Dyck.: 46. 1845.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000386062

Common Names

  • Opuntia spinulosa
  • Spiny Prickly Pear
  • Spiny-fruited Prickly Pear

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Description

Opuntia spinulosa (also called spineless 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 spinulosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge. It is also used to make jams and jellies. The plant has antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Opuntia spinulosa has yellow flowers with orange stripes. The seed is oval and black. The seedling is a small, green plant with small spines.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia spinulosa is a warm-growing cactus from the Americas. It prefers bright light and can be grown in a well-draining potting mix. Propagation is done by stem cuttings or by seed.

Where to Find Opuntia spinulosa

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

Opuntia spinulosa FAQ

What is the common name of Opuntia spinulosa?

Spiny Prickly Pear

What is the natural habitat of Opuntia spinulosa?

Deserts and scrublands of North America

What type of soil does Opuntia spinulosa prefer?

Well-drained, sandy soil

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,