Opuntiads of the USA
(by Joe Shaw and Dave Ferguson)
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Opuntia zuniensis Griffiths, D. 1916
Opuntia zuniensis has, at times, been lumped together with O. phaecantha and O. camanchica (Britton and Rose, The Cactaceae, vol. 1, pg. 144, 1919). Herein it is considered to be a distinct taxon as reported by D. Griffiths (Torrey Botanical Club, vol. 43, pg. 86-87, 1916). The species has distinctive spination and occurs in Arizona, New Mexico, southern Utah. and perhaps Colorado.
O. zuniensis is usually found growing on sandy soils of grasslands or piñon-juniper woodlands, or sometimes in Navajoan Desert. If is is growing in rocky areas it will generally be growing in pockets of sandy soil.
O. zuniensis is a monotypic species, unlike other Opuntia of similar size (eg, O. tortispina or O. phaecantha). Rarely, the flowers of O. zuniensis are light orange instead of light yellow; also rarely, the base of the spines may have slight darkening. O. zuniensis often full bloom 2-3 weeks later than O. polyacantha.
Opuntia zuniensis (forground) with O. tortispina (background) |
Opuntia zuniensis |
Opuntia zuniensis |
Opuntia zuniensis in flower |
Opuntia zuniensis in fruit |
Opuntia zuniensis in fruit |
Opuntia zuniensis in fruit |
Opuntia zuniensis |
Opuntia zuniensis |
Opuntia zuniensis in flower |
Opuntia zuniensis flowers |
Opuntia zuniensis, garden plant (rooting) |
Opuntia zuniensis habitat, five miles north of Santa Cruz, NM (Hwy. 68); Cylindropuntia imbricata in the distance |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
Close-up of cladode at immediate left |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
Opuntia zuniensis (right, Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple; O. torispina (left), plants green |
Opuntia zuniensis, plant showing stress from cold and lack of water |
Opuntia zuniensis (Santa Cruz, NM), late winter, plants purple |
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All materials copyrighted, 2005-2010, Joe J. Shaw and David
Ferguson, except where otherwise noted.
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