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Mojave Prickly Pear

Scientific Name: Opuntia phaeacantha Engelm.
Synonym: Opuntia angustata, Opuntia camanchica, Opuntia charlestonensis, Opuntia mojavensis, Opuntia phaeacantha var. major , Opuntia phaeacantha var. angustata , Opuntia phaeacantha var. camanchica , Opuntia phaeacantha var. charlestonensis , Opuntia phaeacantha var. mojavensis , Opuntia phaeacantha var. nigricans , Opuntia phaeacantha var. superbospina , Opuntia phaeacantha ssp. camanchica , Opuntia platyacantha, Opuntia superbospina, Opuntia woodsii
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 10-13
USDA: 7-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 0°F (-18°C)

Origin: Arizona, Utah, Texas

Growth Habits: Cactus, slow growing up to 3 feet tall (90 cm), 6 to 15 feet in spread (1.8-4.5 m)

Watering Needs: Little water when established

Opuntia camanchica, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 572. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society.

This is one of the most widely distributed prickly pears in the southwestern USA.
The species name "phaeacantha" means "with grey thorns".

Blooming Habits:
The flowers appear in April and May. Originally bright yellow (see picture) they take shades of pinkish orange as they age.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruits (called 'tunas') are mahogany and are enjoyed by humans as well as a variety of wild life. When handling it, beware that they are covered with small spines that can embed in your hands and make your life miserable for a while. Peal them under water, or even better, wear gloves.

List of All the Plants | More in the Cactaceae family

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