BRITTLE PRICKLY-PEAR CACTUS

Class: Opuntia fragilis

Family: CACTUS FAMILY

Sub Family: Cactaceae

Year: Perennial

Other Names: Pigmy-tuna, Fragile Opuntia

Colour: Pale yellow

Height: Up to 20 cm (8")

Each Flower: 2.5-5 cm (1-2") across with many, very thin, spreading petals and numerous stamens surrounding sturdy pistil

Leaves: Scale-like and fall early

Stems: Jointed, thick, fleshy, almost circular in cross-section; each segment may be up to 5 cm (2") long and armed with sharp spines up to 2.5 cm (1") long; top segment easily broken off

Blooming Period: May - June

Habitat: Dry to arid hillsides and sagebrush slopes

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