(Photograph = Opuntia ammophila flower bud, Danny Green)

Introduction

Opuntia ammophila was once more common in Florida, but habitat destruction has narrowed its range.

The Details

O ammophila has steel- or gray-green pads. The flowers are pale yellow and the stigma is cream colored. Tepals are recurve strongly, so much so that the flower buds are distinct and memorable. There are many needle-like spines that may be deflexed. The plant was described from Ft. Pierce, FL.

Additional Reading: Florida Semaphore Cactus