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Perennials, Tropicals > Opuntia > Opuntia acanthocarpa > Opuntia acanthocarpa var. coloradensis

Opuntia acanthocarpa

var. coloradensis





Origin:  California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona; United States of America.
Family
Cactaceae
Genus
Opuntia
Species
acanthocarpa
Category
Perennials, Tropicals
Variety
coloradensis
Synonyms
Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa var. coloradensis
Height
1.2-1.8 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
General Description
A large shrub or small tree that generally hovers above the lower plant life surrounding it. It will form vast forests in certain areas producing a beautiful view.
Cultivation
Sandy or gravelly soils.
Habitat
Mountain slopes, flats, washes in the desert and flats at an altitude of 600-1,300 m. Commonly found in the Mojavean Desert.
Leaf Description
Thin, long leaves, 12 x 1.5 mm. Spines are a tan to pale yellow colour which turn brown then black as they mature, straight, long and spread in all directions.
Flower Description
4-5.5 cm in diameter, a greenish yellow in colour with purplish veins and purplish tips, filaments, 9-12 mm in length and red in colour with yellow anthers.
Fruit Description
Falls in late summer or autumn. Seeds are a light tan or off white colour, flat with an irregular angle; 5-8 x 3-5 mm.
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