Opuntia
Opuntia is a very large genus that possesses an incredibly widespread habitat, having naturalized in many areas outside of its original distribution, and subsequently being classified as a weed. As a result, Opuntia is not very popular in cultivation.
Species within the genus are categorized by the production of edible fruits dubbed "tunas", and by the possession of distinctively flat stem segments (cladoles), which are covered with tiny detachable spines (glochids). The name Opuntia is theorized to stem from the Greek region Locris Opuntia and the town of Opus where many spiny plants are found (1, 2).
Species within the genus are categorized by the production of edible fruits dubbed "tunas", and by the possession of distinctively flat stem segments (cladoles), which are covered with tiny detachable spines (glochids). The name Opuntia is theorized to stem from the Greek region Locris Opuntia and the town of Opus where many spiny plants are found (1, 2).
Beavertail Cactus
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Wavy Bunny Ears
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