Opuntia ficus-indica is a robust, tree-like cactus characterized by its segmented, spiny, flat stems that are typically grey to green in color. From spring through summer, it produces bowl-shaped flowers in shades of yellow or orange, which are succeeded by fruit that can be purple, orange, or red.

Opuntia encompasses a variety of cacti that can grow as sprawling, bush-like forms or even resemble small trees. These plants typically feature flattened stem segments that are equipped with spines and barbed bristles. They produce funnel-shaped blossoms that give way to fleshy fruits covered in spines.

Opuntia ficus-indica

Opuntia ficus-indica 'Dar 1-12-19 Red' (F)

Opuntia ficus-indica 'Dar 1-27-24 Orange' (F)

Opuntia fragilis

Opuntia fragilis 'Lake of the Woods'

Opuntia fragilis 'Pont'

Opuntia fragilis from Black Canyon, Gunnison, Colorado

Opuntia fragilis var. denudata

Opuntia galapageia

Opuntia galapageia subvar. barringtonensis

Opuntia glaucophylla

Opuntia gosseliniana

Opuntia haematocarpa

Opuntia horstii

Opuntia humifusa

Opuntia humifusa 'Grandiflora'

Opuntia humifusa 'Louisiana'

Opuntia humifusa from Monmouth County, New Jersey

Opuntia humifusa subsp. littoica

Opuntia jamaicensis

Opuntia leptocarpa

Opuntia leucotricha

Opuntia littoralis

Opuntia macrocentra

Opuntia macrocentra 'Alba'

Opuntia macrocentra 'Violacea'

Opuntia macrocentra from Antelope Wells, New Mexico

Opuntia macrocentra from Eddy County, New Mexico

Opuntia macrocentra from Orogrande, New Mexico

Opuntia macrocentra from Rincon, New Mexico

Opuntia macrorhiza

Opuntia macrorhiza 'Apricot'

Opuntia macrorhiza 'Viola'

Opuntia macrorhiza from Huerfano County, Colorado

Opuntia macrorhiza from Kenton, Oklahoma

Opuntia macrorhiza from Reagan County, Texas

Opuntia maxima

Opuntia megapotamica

Opuntia megapotamica from La Cumbrecita, Argentina

Opuntia microdasys is a perennial cactus characterized by its bushy growth and flattened, segmented stems that range from oval to round in shape, exhibiting a light to mid-green hue. The stems are densely covered with white areoles, each featuring tiny bristle-like spines that can be white, yellow, or reddish-brown. In summer, this cactus produces bowl-shaped yellow flowers that measure 4 to 5 cm in diameter.

Opuntia microdasys

This bushy cactus reaches a height of up to 60 cm and features branched stems made up of flattened pads, each measuring up to 15 cm in length. The areoles are distinct, adorned with short, white glochids. The flowers are pale yellow and measure approximately 4 cm in diameter, while the fruits are purple and can grow to 4.5 cm in size.

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