Opuntiads of the USA

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Opuntia aciculata

According to Desert Tropicals Web site Various synonyms for O. aciculata include Opuntia engelmannii var. flexospina (Griffiths) B.D.Parfitt & D.J.Pinkava; Opuntia strigil var. flexospina; Opuntia engelmannii var. flexispina; and Opuntia flexospina. Similarly, The online version of the Flora of North America also suggests similar synonyms.

Herein, O. aciculata is regarded as a distinct taxon, separate from O. strigil, O. engelmannii, or O. lindheimeri.

The range of O. aciculata is limited to a region of south Texas and perhaps adjacent Mexico. One of the authors has observed the species in Uvalde, TX area and anecdotal reports suggest it may be found (rarely) in the vicinity of Austin, TX.

Unless otherwise specified all photos are copyright Dave Feguson and Joe Shaw (2007, 2008).

Opuntia aciculata images
Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Albuquerque, NM, Plant Violet in winter, nealy spineless
Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Albuquerque, NM, spiny plant (cladodes green in winter and ovate)
Miscellaneous images, O. aciculata
	Flower buds on Opuntia aciculata, plant originated near Laredo, TX