Opuntia triacantha
| Opuntia triacantha | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. triacantha |
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia triacantha (Willd.) Sweet | |
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, to Big Pine Key in Florida.[1]
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.[2]
The cactus grows on the sandy limestone of exposed reefs.[1][3]
This species is threatened by the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum).[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Opuntia triacantha. Center for Plant Conservation.
- ↑ Opuntia triacantha. Flora of North America.
- ↑ Opuntia triacantha. The Nature Conservancy.