Opuntia cespitosa
| Opuntia cespitosa | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. cespitosa
|
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia cespitosa | |
Opuntia cespitosa, commonly called the eastern prickly pear,[1] is a species of cactus native to North America.
Description
[edit]Opuntia cespitosa is a prostrate succulent shrub, usually no more than 1-2 segments tall. It has large white spines, and a low layer of reddish-brown glochids, which break off in the skin if touched. It produces a yellow and red flower in late spring.[2]
Taxonomy
[edit]This species was historically included in a broadly-defined Opuntia humifusa group, which is found further to the east. Opuntia cespitosa differs from Opuntia humifusa in its flowers having a red center.[3]
Distribution and Habitat
[edit]The species is commonly found at the west of Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi River, where it is found in the Midwest, Upper South and in Ontario.[1] Its natural habitat is in dry, open areas, such as outcrops, glades, and barrens.[1]
Invasive Plant
[edit]O. cespitosa is invasive in South Africa. Some Hypogeococcus mealybugs are used as biological pest controls of this and other invasive cacti there.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Alan Weakley (2015). "Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States".
- ^ Majure, Lucas; Ervin, Gary (2007). "The Opuntias of Mississippi" (PDF). Haseltonia. 14: 111–126. doi:10.2985/1070-0048-14.1.111. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
- ^ Opuntia cespitosa Opuntia Web, accessed 25 January 2018
- ^ "Cactus control in the Klein Karoo". Rhodes University. 2014-09-17. Retrieved 2021-04-19.