Opuntia robusta
Opuntia robusta flowers
Opuntia robusta is a species in the genus Opuntia ( Opuntia ) from the cactus family ( Cactaceae ). The specific epithet means robusta, strong, strong '. Spanish common names are " Bartolona " " Nopal camueso ", " Nopal Tapón " and " Tuna Tapón ".
Description
Opuntia robusta grows to almost shrubby tree-like with many branches up to 1.5 meters in length and plant height 1-3 meters. It forms more or less distinct tribes. The round to elongated shoots are frosted blue-green. They are strong, thick, 20 to 25 inches long and 10 to 12.5 inches wide. The pointed, reddish leaves are up to 4 millimeters long. The slightly elevated areoles different size stand apart 4 to 5.5 inches and carry numerous yellowish to brownish glochids. The final two to twelve spines (which may occasionally be absent ) are whitish, with a darker base and up to 5 inches long.
The yellow flowers grow to a length 5-7 cm and a diameter of up to 5 centimeters. The spherical to ellipsoidal, dark red fruits are slightly tuberculate and 7-9 inches long.
Systematics and distribution
Opuntia robusta is widespread in central Mexico. The first description was published in 1837 by Heinrich Ludolph Wendland. A synonym is Opuntia guerrana.