Opuntiads of the USA

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Opuntia anahuacensis Griffiths

(Opuntia species, Unknown No. 2)

Editor's Note: This species has been identified as O. anahuacensis by the Editor-in-Chief; it can be found in the general area of Anahuac, TX. However, its overall range is unknown. Co-editors have not yet been able to examine the biological materials and their input is required before positive identification can be made.

The species has attractive flowers and the style is enlarged at the base, bowling pin-like. Some populations may have flowers that are all yellow, but these need more investigation.

Plants are typically found in sandy areas near the Gulf Coast beaches (of Houston) or on sandy river banks 5-50 mils inland from the ocean. Though widespread in the greater Houston area, it is not commonly noticed or found.

Opuntia anahuacensis, plants are woody at older joints, but typically do not form a tree-shape under natural conditions. This garden plant has been shaped to achieve upright growth.	Garden-grown Opuntia anahuacensis, fruit showing depressed umbilicus.	Opuntia anahuacensis, flower in cross-section, showing white style that is enlarged at base.
Opuntia anahuacensis, flowers are large and showy, with red centers and yellow stamens.	Opuntia anahuacensis, close-up of flower center showing stima; stima lobes are cream-colored (showing white here).	Ovaires (and pericarp) may be 6-6.5 mm in length, and 20-25 mm at greatest width, Opuntia anahuacensis.
Opuntia anahuacensis, mature plant or several plants, Galveston Island, plants grow outwards rather than upwards	Opuntia anahuacensis, Galveston Island, TX, September 2005	Opuntia anahuacensis (foreground) with O. bentonii (in distance), Galveston Island , TX, O. anahuacensis has lower stature
Opuntia anahuacensis, Galveston Island, nearly horizonal branching typical of species is evident	Opuntia anahuacensis, fruit not spherical, small stipe, nearly flat umbilicus, Galveston Island, September 2005	Opuntia anahuacentis, ripe fruit on single plant, some fruit with mildly pitted umbilicus
Opuntia anahuacensis, top view of fruit, showing umbilicus and areoles on fruit	Opuntia anahuacensis cladode with fruit, fruit spherical-appearing but short stipe present	Opuntia bentonii (top) with O. anahucensis, collections made from adjacent plants on Galveston Island, TX, 2005
Typical horisontal growth form of Opuntia anahuacensis on sand dunes of Houston, TX-area coast, longest pad about 8-10 inches.	Opuntia anahuacensis, garden plant with fruit	Wild-collected fruit (late season), Opuntia anahuacensis, various shapes, USA coin provided for size comparison.