Opuntia_triacanthos

<i>Opuntia triacantha</i>

Opuntia triacantha

Species of cactus

Opuntia triacantha is a species of cactus known by the common names Spanish lady, Keys Joe-jumper, Big Pine Key prickly-pear, and jumping prickly apple. It is native to the Caribbean, from Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, to the Lesser Antilles.[2]

Quick Facts Opuntia triacantha, Conservation status ...

This cactus grows prostrate or upright to a maximum length of 60 centimeters. The stem segments are flattened and oval in shape, up to 18 centimeters long by 7 wide. The black-tipped spines are up to 4 centimeters long. The cactus produces yellow flowers year-round. The fleshy red fruit is up to 3 centimeters long by 2 wide.[3]

The cactus grows on the sandy limestone of exposed reefs.[2][4]

This species is threatened by the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum).[2]

References

  1. [1]
    Majure, L.; Griffith, P.; Gann, G.D. (2017) [amended version of 2013 assessment]. "Opuntia triacantha". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T152237A121584692. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T152237A121584692.en. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  2. [2]
    Opuntia triacantha. Center for Plant Conservation.
  3. [3]
    Opuntia triacantha. Flora of North America.
  4. [4]
    Opuntia triacantha. The Nature Conservancy.
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