Opuntia cespitosa
| Opuntia cespitosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. cespitosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia cespitosa | |
Opuntia cespitosa, commonly called the eastern prickly pear,[1] is a species of cactus native to North America.
Description
Opuntia cespitosa is a prostrate, succulent shrub, usually no more than one or two segments tall. It has large, white spines, and a low layer of reddish-brown glochids, which break off in the skin if touched. It produces a yellow and red flower in late spring.[2]
Taxonomy
This species was historically included in a broadly defined Opuntia humifusa group, which is found further to the east. O. cespitosa differs from O. humifusa in its flowers having a red center.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is commonly found in the Midwest and Upper South of the U.S. and Ontario in Canada.[1] Its natural habitat is in dry, open areas, such as outcrops, glades, and barrens.[1]
Invasive plant
O. cespitosa is invasive in South Africa. Some Hypogeococcus mealybugs are used as biological pest controls of this and other invasive cacti there.[4]
References
- 1 2 3 Alan Weakley (2015). "Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States". Archived from the original on 2018-10-06. Retrieved 2018-01-26.
- ↑ Majure, Lucas; Ervin, Gary (2007). "The Opuntias of Mississippi" (PDF). Haseltonia. 14: 111–126. doi:10.2985/1070-0048-14.1.111. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
- ↑ Opuntia cespitosa Opuntia Web, accessed 25 January 2018
- ↑ "Cactus control in the Klein Karoo". Rhodes University. 2014-09-17. Retrieved 2021-04-19.