Opuntia elata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Opuntia elata | |
|---|---|
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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]
Varieties
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]
As of October 2022[update], 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
