Coastal Prickly Pear (Opuntia stricta)

Coastal Prickly Pear
Scientific Name: Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.
Synonym: Cactus strictus, Opuntia airampo, Opuntia bahamana, Consolea bahamana, Opuntia vulgaris var. balaerica, Opuntia vulgaris var. balearica, Opuntia inermis, Opuntia ochrocentra var. inermis, Opuntia keyensis, Opuntia magnifica
Family: Cactaceae

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An antique photo, as Opuntia keyensis in Britton and Rose's The Cactaceae Origin: Southeastern USA, eastern Mexico, Cuba
Growth Habits: Prostrate bush, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm), oval joints, up to 6 inches long (15 cm)

The old name O. vulgaris var. balearica comes from the fact that very early on it naturalized in the Balearic Islands.

As Opuntia bahamana, in Britton and Rose's The Cactaceae

Blooming Habits:
Red pear shaped fruit, 1.6 to 2.4 inches long (4 to 6 cm)

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