
Opuntia Desert Ace Pad
Opuntia is a very large genus of cacti, varying in size from 2 inches tall (5 cm) miniature plants to 100 feet tall (30 m) trees. They are native from Canada, to Chile and Argentina. The genus has been split several times, but there doesn't seem to be a consensus yet on the best way to do that. The name Opuntia comes from the name of a Greek city.All Opuntias not only have normal spines, but they also have thin barbed spines barely visible, named glochids. These can get stuck in your skin and be very irritating. In some species, they are particularly light and can become airborne when the Opuntia is moved. Wetting the plant before handling it might be a good prevention.Opuntias often have large, colorful flowers. The fruit is also large and generally edible.Cold hardiness zone: USDA 4-9Light needs: full sunWater needs: little to no waterMature size: 3-6' high and wideSelected for: cactus with yellow flowers followed by rounded red fruits Some of the information in this description has