Opuntia austrina

Opuntia austrina
Opuntia austrina

Small, Flora of the Southeastern United States 817, 1933

Herbarium; Herbarium; HerbariumHerbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; HerbariumDrawing (Britton and Rose v1, 1919)

Original Description

What is Opuntia austrina?

Opuntia austrina is a small, bushy prickly pear cactus from southern Florida that has a well-defined trunk.

Details

Plants of O. austrina can grow to 1 m tall, but smaller opuntias are common. This cactus grows in disturbed areas (e.g., cow pastures) or in undisturbed areas (e.g., pine hummocks). The stems often spread from near the base of the main stem, which has tuberous roots. Alternately, a small tree-like plant is formed. Cladodes may be 2.5 to 6 cm long. Areoles often have a single major spine, especially if on the upper half of the cladode. A  second small, deciduous spine may be present. 

Flowers are bright yellow, and the reddish fruits are 2.5 to 3.0 cm long. 

O. austrina is diploid. 

Other Notes

Britton and Rose reported that this Opuntia occurs in southern FL including the Keys. O. austrina has been proposed to be the same taxon as O. ammophila and O. polycarpa. For now, we accept it as a stand-alone Opuntia species. 

This plant makes an attractive garden plant with its bright yellow flowers. It is not cold-hardy. 

 

4 thoughts on “Opuntia austrina”

  1. Naresh kumar Aganihotri

    State- Himachal, country – India
    Plant name here chui chitter which is name of opuntia spices. It’s reddish fruit purely iron, and increase our blood.

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