Opuntia humifusa

Eastern prickly pear
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Order:Caryophyllales
Family:Cactaceae
Genus:Opuntia
Species: O. humifusa
Binomial name
Opuntia humifusa
(Raf.) Raf.
Opuntia humifusa in fruit by the beach at Welwyn Preserve, Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, October 2014

Opuntia humifusa, commonly known as the devil's-tongue,[1] eastern prickly pear or Indian fig, is a cactus native to parts of eastern North America.

Description

As is the case in other Opuntia species, the green stems of this low-growing perennial cactus are flattened, and are formed of segments. Barbed bristles are found around the surfaces of the segments, and longer spines are sometimes present.[2] The flowers are yellow to gold in color, and are found along the margins of mature segments. The flowers are waxy and sometimes have red centers. They measure 4–6 cm across. This cactus blooms in the late spring.

The juicy and edible red fruits measure from 3–5 cm. As the fruit matures, it changes colour from green to red, and often remains on the cactus until the following spring. There are 6 to 33 small, flat, light-colored seeds in each fruit.

Distribution

This species was originally native to arid areas of Montana southward to New Mexico, and eastward to the lower Great Lakes, and along the East Coast from the Florida Keys to coastal Connecticut.[3]

Taxonomy

Some botanists treat this cactus as a variety of Opuntia compressa: hence Opuntia compressa var. humifusa, or a synonym of Opuntia compressa. Those recognizing this species treat Opuntia rafinesquii as a junior synonym.

Habitat

This plant is very intolerant of shade. It thrives in full sun in hot and dry environments and needs well-drained soil. Opuntia humifusa will grow in open or exposed areas in rocky and coastal scrub habits as well as at elevations where winter hardy.

References

  1. ↑ "Opuntia humifusa". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 23 July 2015.
  2. ↑ "4. Opuntia humifusa", Flora of North America
  3. ↑ "Plants Profile: Opuntia humifusa". Natural Resources Conservation Service. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 13 April 2010.
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