Xerophyte

Description

Opuntia anacanthaSN|28385]]SN|28385]] is a jointed shrubby cactus, usually decumbent and rooting along the under surface, sometimes ascending and clambering, forming low clumps to 60 cm high and 2.5 m wide. The joints are typically unarmed or with sharp spines. This species presents a large morphological variability and has a large distribution area. This accounts for the numerous controversial synonyms. The user-friendly spineless forms appear to be the more common in cultivation.

Stem Segments

Shiny dark green except for purple spots under the areoles, flat, elliptic to lanceolate, narrowed toward each end, 15 to 40 cm long, 3.5 to 7 cm broad.

Flowers

Large, numerous, yellowish orange to orange, to 4 cm long and 6 cm across. Sepals large,reddish, obtuse, emarginate or even 2-lobed. Petals 12. Style white, stigma-lobes white or rose colored.

Spines

2-4 sometimes absent, unequal, whitish, 4-6 cm long either retrorse or erect.

Fruits

Pubescent, 3-5 cm long, red to violet-purple, the pulp yellowish or white edible, acid, with many seeds.

Areoles

Small.