Opuntia fusco-atra, Dark-spine Pricklypear

Engelm. Syn. Cact. U.S.: 41 (1856)

Original Description

Lectotype; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium (flowers); Painting; Drawing   

What is Opuntia fusco–atra (fuscoatra)?

O. fusco–atra is a small pricklypear found in “sterile places” on prairies, in the general area or west of Houston, Texas. 

Details

The original description described stout black or brown spines, but we have not always observed this to be the case. Cladodes are up to 7-9 cm long. Flowers are about 7-8 cm across.