Opuntia elata

Opuntia elata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Species:
O. elata
Binomial name
Opuntia elata
Link & Otto ex Salm-Dyck

Opuntia elata is a species of cactus found in Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay.[2]

Description

Opuntia elata is a fast growing Opuntia with a tendency to branch out. It can reach up to 1-1.5 m in height and spread (occasionally 3 m). The joints may grow straight, white spines up to 3-4 cm long.

The flower is orange to yellow in color, appearing around late spring up to summer. The fruit is club shaped and purple-red when ripe. [3]

Varieties

As of October 2022, Plants of the World Online accepted three varieties:[4]

  • Opuntia elata var. delaetiana F.A.C.Weber
  • Opuntia elata var. elata – synonym Opuntia anacantha[5]
  • Opuntia elata var. obovata E.Walther

Distribution and habitat

The plant can be found at Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz, Tarija of Bolivia. They can also be found growing at Cuba.

References

  1. ^ Duarte, W.; Oakley, L.; Pin, A. (2017) [amended version of 2013 assessment]. "Opuntia elata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T152704A121605723. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T152704A121605723.en. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Name - Opuntia elata Link & Otto ex Salm-Dyck". Tropicos. 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2019-08-04.
  3. ^ N. L. Britton, J. N. Rose: “The Cactaceae. Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family.” Vol I, The Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington 1919
  4. ^ "Opuntia elata Link & Otto ex Salm-Dyck". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
  5. ^ "Opuntia anacantha Speg". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-10-20.