Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Caryophyllales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
tortispina
ID:
1288054

Status:
valid

Authors:
Engelm. & J.M.Bigelow

Source:
Caryophyllales.org

Year:
1856

Citation Micro:
in Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts 3: 293. 1856.

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287392

Common Names

  • Twisted Prickly Pear
  • Opuntia Tortispina
  • Twisted Cactus

Searching for Opuntia tortispina? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Description

Opuntia tortispina (also called Twisted-spined Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Peru and Bolivia. It is a low-growing cactus with yellow spines, and can reach up to 1 meter in height. It is found in dry areas, such as rocky slopes and desert scrub.

Uses & Benefits

Opuntia tortispina is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a groundcover. It is also used in rock gardens, as a border plant, and as a potted plant. It is drought tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping. It is also used in green roofs and for erosion control.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Opuntia tortispina is yellow and bell-shaped, with a yellow center. The seed is small and round, with a black color. The seedlings are small and delicate, with a light green color.

Searching for Opuntia tortispina? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Opuntia tortispina is a low-growing cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the parent plant and let it dry for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Water the cutting regularly until it is established.

Where to Find Opuntia tortispina

Opuntia tortispina can be found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

Opuntia tortispina FAQ

What is the scientific name of Opuntia tortispina?

Opuntia tortispina

What is the common name of Opuntia tortispina?

Tortispina Prickly Pear

What is the natural habitat of Opuntia tortispina?

Dry, rocky slopes in the Chihuahuan Desert

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

George Engelmann (1809-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Engelm.' in the authors string.
John Milton Bigelow (1804-1878): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'J.M.Bigelow' in the authors string.