Opuntia phaeacantha
Opuntia phaeacantha
Opuntia phaeacantha is a flowering plant in the genus Opuntia ( Opuntia ) from the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet phaeacantha derives from the Greek words φαιός ( phaeos ) for " dim " and ἅκανθα ( acantha ) for " thorn" and refers to the dark thorns of Art English common names are "Brown Spined Prickly Pear ", " Densely Spined Prickly Pear "," major Prickly Pear "," Mojave Prickly Pear "," New Mexico Prickly Pear ", " Purple- Fruited Prickly Pear " and " Yellow- Spined Prickly Pear ".
Description
Opuntia phaeacantha growing shrubby, prostrate stretched to the length. They often forms large cushions that reach a height of up to 90 centimeters and a width of 2.5 meters. The reversed - ovate to almost circular drive sections are blue-green and often have a violet -colored shade. They are 10 to 40 inches long, 7 to 24 inches wide and 1.2 to 1.5 inches thick. The extended tapered leaves are up to 9 millimeters long. The 2 to 2.5 inches apart standing elliptical areoles wear brown, reddish brown or yellowish brown, to 12 mm long glochids. The 1 to 10 spines, missing rarely, are reddish brown to dark brown. They spring from all areoles or are restricted to the upper part of the engine sections. The 2.5 to 8 centimeters long thorns are straddling, erect or reflexed, sometimes curved or twisted, subulate or flattened.
The 6-8 inch long flowers are yellow and sometimes have a red base. The reddish -violet to purple, fleshy and smooth fruits are inversely - ovate. They are 3.5 to 8 inches long, and have diameters of 2 to 4 cm on.
Systematics and distribution
Opuntia phaeacantha is widespread in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The first description was published in 1849 by George Engelmann. Some authors several varieties are distinguished. There are known numerous synonyms.
Use
From the Pima warmed engine sections of Opuntia phaeacantha be placed on the breasts of a new mother to stimulate their milk flow. From the fruits of red color is obtained by crushing.