Xerophyte

The single species B. brasiliensis that makes up this genus is one of the largest cacti up to 66 feet (20m) tall with trunks 14 inches (35cm) in diameter. Clusters of spines defend the trunk. Stems segments are round on the trunk and branches, but on the end, stem segmants are flattend pads or cladodes like most Opuntias giving the appearance of large leaves. Young plants may be only made up of cladodes and not yet have any round stems. The color is an intense dark green. Areoles, have glochids and may have no spines or as many as 3. Flowers are yellow and just under 2 1/2inches (6cm) long. Fruits are round with large clusters of brown areoles and may be red, orange, yellow, and even purple. Seeds are large up to 10mm with one to five per fruit. While the name means Brazil Opuntia, this species occurs throughout much of South America.