Discover Nature at JCU Plants NQ Weeds by scientific name A-P Opuntia stricta

Opuntia stricta

Image of opuntia stricta

(Common Prickly Pear)

FAMILY

Cactaceae

Species

Opuntia stricta

Common name(s)

Common Prickly Pear, (CLASS 2)

Flower colour; life form

Flowers yellow. Shrub, succulent 1-2 m tall, leafless

Distinguishing features

Stems swollen and flattened, obconical to 20 x 8 cm. Clusters of hairs and spines borne on raised lumps, small yellow hairs are called glochids. Flowers solitary, perianth yellow. Fruit succulent, purple to 6 cm long

Opuntia stricta