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Perennials, Tropicals > Opuntia > Opuntia ramosissima > Opuntia ramosissima

Opuntia ramosissima


Diamond Cholla




Origin:  Southern United States of America and Mexico.
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Opuntia
Species
ramosissima
Category
Perennials, Tropicals
Synonyms
Cylindropuntia ramosissima
Height
75 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
A matted bush or shrub in the shape of a diamond, hence its common name Diamond Cholla.
Cultivation
Fine or sandy soils.
Habitat
Desert floor and washes at an altitude of 30-600 m.
Leaf Description
Spines are tan in colour and only appear in the areoles of the joints, approximately 1-3 per areole. Spines do not obscure the branches, are straight and slightly point downwards, 4-5.5 cm in length.
Flower Description
Small flowers 1.2 cm in diameter, apricot or brown in colour, 3 mm long filaments green in colour and yellow anthers, 1.5 mm long.
Fruit Description
Brown or tan in colour, almost bur-like with its dense spines.
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