Small, Flora of the Southeastern United States 817, 1933
Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Herbarium; Drawing (Britton and Rose v1, 1919)
Original Description
What is Opuntia austrina?
Opuntia austrina is a small, bushy prickly pear cactus from southern Florida that has a well-defined trunk.
Details
Plants of O. austrina can grow to 1 m tall, but smaller opuntias are common. This cactus grows in disturbed areas (e.g., cow pastures) or in undisturbed areas (e.g., pine hummocks). The stems often spread from near the base of the main stem, which has tuberous roots. Alternately, a small tree-like plant is formed. Cladodes may be 2.5 to 6 cm long. Areoles often have a single major spine, especially if on the upper half of the cladode. A second small, deciduous spine may be present.
Flowers are bright yellow, and the reddish fruits are 2.5 to 3.0 cm long.
O. austrina is diploid.
See GenBank locus NC_083932.
Other Notes
Britton and Rose reported that this Opuntia occurs in southern FL including the Keys. O. austrina has been proposed to be the same taxon as O. ammophila and O. polycarpa. For now, we accept it as a stand-alone Opuntia species.
This plant makes an attractive garden plant with its bright yellow flowers. It is not cold-hardy.
Overall, this Florida taxon is similar to O. polycarpa and O. ammophila, and the three have been proposed to comprise a single taxon.
Opuntia austrina in habitat
Opuntia austrina in habitat
Opuntia austrina in habitat
Opuntia austrina in habitat
Opuntia austrina with fruit
Opuntia austrina with fruit
Opuntia austrina, a photo by Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, Brevard County, FL
Opuntia austrina, garden plant
Opuntia austrina, garden plant
Opuntia austrina, garden plant
Opuntia austrina, garden plant
Opuntia austrina, garden plant
Opuntia austrina, garden plant, Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, garden plant, Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, Paul Fischer
Opuntia austrina, small plant
State- Himachal, country – India
Plant name here chui chitter which is name of opuntia spices. It’s reddish fruit purely iron, and increase our blood.
Hi Naresh,
I didn’t know that. Very interesting information.
Joe Shaw
Thank you.
Thank you.