Opuntia triacantha
Opuntia triacantha is a species of cactus known by the common names Spanish lady, Keys Joe-jumper, Big Pine Key prickly-pear, and jumping prickly apple. It is native to the Caribbean, from Desecheo Island, Puerto Rico, to the Lesser Antilles.[1]
| Opuntia triacantha | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Opuntia filtered | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. triacantha |
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia triacantha | |
This cactus grows prostrate or upright to a maximum length of 60 centimeters. The stem segments are flattened and oval in shape, up to 18 centimeters long by 7 wide. The black-tipped spines are up to 4 centimeters long. The cactus produces yellow flowers year-round. The fleshy red fruit is up to 3 centimeters long by 2 wide.[2]
The cactus grows on the sandy limestone of exposed reefs.[1][3]
This species is threatened by the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum).[1]
References
- Opuntia triacantha. Center for Plant Conservation.
- Opuntia triacantha. Flora of North America.
- Opuntia triacantha. The Nature Conservancy.
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