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Perennials, Tropicals > Opuntia > Opuntia cochenillifera > Opuntia cochenillifera

Opuntia cochenillifera


Cochineal Pricklypear




Origin:  Southeastern United states of America and tropical Mexico.
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Opuntia
Species
cochenillifera
Category
Perennials, Tropicals
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
USDA Hardiness Zone
9a - 10b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H3
Temperature (°C)
-1
Temperature (°F)
12
Height
6 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
MarchAprilMay
Landscape
In potted succulent collections, as an accent "tree" in rock gardens, containers, large scale potted patio plant or as a specimen.
Cultivation
Plant in loose, gravelly well-draining cactus-type soil in full sun.
Shape
Upright to low-spreading.
Growth
Slow
Habitat
Dry gravelly slopes.
Bark/Stem Description
Rugged succulent bark.
Leaf Description
Lanceolate succulent leaves with a rounded apex.
Flower Description
Solitary cupped blooms with pronounced stamen. Petals are obovate-rounded in shape and form in loose false rosettes around the stamen. Blooms can be found throughout the plant.
Fruit Description
Small prickly pears borne after flowers bloom.
Colour Description
Pale to sage green foliage. Dull tan to medium green succulent bark. Bright persimmon orange blooms.
Texture Description
Smooth to rugged.
Notable Specimens
Desert Botanical Gardens, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America.
Propagation
Propagate from woody stem, softwood, semi-hard cuttings.
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