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low pricklypear

Opuntia humifusa

The low pricklypear is a fun cactus that grows close to the ground. It has flat pads and bright yellow flowers that turn into tasty fruits called prickly pears!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The low pricklypear has flat, oval-shaped green pads covered in tiny barbed bristles and longer spines. It grows close to the ground, spreading outwards. Its bright yellow or sometimes reddish flowers pop up in late spring.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusOpuntia
low pricklypear
flowering trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgemedicinal trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
low pricklypear

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Indigenous people sometimes used pricklypear pads to mark trails across the land!

Its juicy fruits, called tunas, are a favorite sweet treat for many desert animals!

Many small creatures like insects and lizards find shelter from the sun under its pads!

This amazing cactus can survive freezing winter temperatures by shriveling its pads!

Special abilities

Ability

Water Storer

Low pricklypear has thick, fleshy pads that can store lots of water, helping it survive long droughts.

Ability

Spine Shield

Low pricklypear has sharp spines and tiny, irritating glochids to protect its pads from hungry animals.

Ability

Ground Sprouter

Low pricklypear can grow roots from fallen pieces of its pads, allowing new plants to sprout easily.

Measurements & details

Height
5-30 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
4-6 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Nopales

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful of the spines on the pricklypear; they can poke you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is low pricklypear?

5-30 cm

How wide does low pricklypear spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on low pricklypear?

4-6 cm

When does low pricklypear bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is low pricklypear edible?

Yes

Is low pricklypear toxic?

None

What is low pricklypear's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is low pricklypear pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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