Status:
valid
Authors:
(Willd.) Sweet
Source:
Caryophyllales.org
Year:
1826
Citation Micro:
Hort. Brit. 1: 172. 1826.
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001287154
Common Names
- Triacantha Opuntia
- Opuntia triacantha
- Triacantha Cactus
Description
Opuntia triacantha (also called Three-spined Prickly Pear, among many other common names) is a species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. It is a small, globular cactus with yellow spines and yellow flowers. It is found in dry, rocky areas and grows in full sun.
Uses & Benefits
Opuntia triacantha is used as an ornamental plant, as a source of food, and in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Opuntia triacantha is yellow in color, with a diameter of about 3 cm. The seed is small, round, and brown in color. The seedlings are small and spiny.
Cultivation and Propagation
Opuntia triacantha 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 triacantha
Opuntia triacantha can be found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Opuntia triacantha FAQ
What is the scientific name of Opuntia triacantha?
Opuntia triacantha
What is the common name of Opuntia triacantha?
Three-Spined Prickly Pear
What is the natural habitat of Opuntia triacantha?
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,