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Eastern Pricklypear

Opuntia cespitosa

The Eastern Pricklypear is a fun cactus that grows flat pads and bright yellow flowers. It can be found in warm places and is great for animals looking for food and shelter.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Eastern Pricklypear has flat, segmented, green pads covered in clusters of sharp spines and tiny barbed bristles. Its vibrant yellow to orange flowers bloom from the pad edges, later developing into reddish, pear-shaped fruits, making it quite distinctive.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusOpuntia
Eastern Pricklypear
flowering trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badgesucculent trait badge
Eastern Pricklypear

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

If a pad breaks off, it can root in the soil and start a whole new cactus plant!

Its flat "pads" are actually modified stems that can grow into brand new plants!

The fruit, called a "tuna," is sweet and tasty, often used in jams and candies.

Tiny, almost invisible barbed bristles, called glochids, are sneakier than its big spines!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Tank Pads

Eastern Pricklypear has thick, juicy pads that store water, helping it survive long periods of drought.

Ability

Spine Defense

Eastern Pricklypear uses sharp spines to protect its tasty pads and fruits from hungry animals.

Ability

CAMouflage Photosynthesis

Eastern Pricklypear opens its pores at night to absorb carbon dioxide, conserving precious water during hot days.

Measurements & details

Height
30-100 cm
Spread
60-150 cm
Flower Size
5-8 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch the spines on the cactus; they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Eastern Pricklypear?

30-100 cm

How wide does Eastern Pricklypear spread?

60-150 cm

How big are the flowers on Eastern Pricklypear?

5-8 cm

When does Eastern Pricklypear bloom?

Late spring to summer

Is Eastern Pricklypear edible?

Yes

Is Eastern Pricklypear toxic?

None

What is Eastern Pricklypear's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Eastern Pricklypear pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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