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Southeastern Pricklypear

Opuntia mesacantha

The Southeastern Pricklypear is a fun cactus that grows in warm places. It has bright yellow flowers and tasty fruits called prickly pears that many animals love to eat!

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Southeastern Pricklypear has flat, paddle-shaped green pads, which are actually modified stems, covered in sharp, prominent spines and tiny, barbed bristles called glochids. Its large, showy flowers are typically bright yellow with a reddish center, blooming at the top edges of the pads, followed by reddish-purple, pear-shaped fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyCactaceaeGenusOpuntia
Southeastern Pricklypear
flowering trait badgespring_blooming trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
Southeastern Pricklypear

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Beware the tiny, nearly invisible glochids, which are worse than its big spines!

Fallen pads can sprout roots, growing into an entirely new plant!

Its 'pads' are actually flattened stems designed to store water!

The sweet, juicy fruits, called 'tunas,' are a desert delicacy for many animals.

Special abilities

Ability

Water Whisperer

Southeastern Pricklypear can store vast amounts of water in its thick, fleshy pads, helping it survive long periods of drought.

Ability

Night Feeder

Southeastern Pricklypear uses a special nighttime photosynthesis process (CAM) to conserve water in hot, dry environments.

Ability

Spiky Shield

Southeastern Pricklypear has two types of spines – long, sharp ones and tiny, barbed glochids – to deter hungry animals.

Measurements & details

Height
30-100 cm
Spread
100-300 cm
Flower Size
5-8 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early 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, as they can poke you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Southeastern Pricklypear?

30-100 cm

How wide does Southeastern Pricklypear spread?

100-300 cm

How big are the flowers on Southeastern Pricklypear?

5-8 cm

When does Southeastern Pricklypear bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Southeastern Pricklypear edible?

Yes

Is Southeastern Pricklypear toxic?

None

What is Southeastern Pricklypear's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Southeastern Pricklypear pollinated?

Insect

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