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 or single-stemmed prickly pear cactus from southern Florida. 

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 may 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, sometimes 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 is attractive in gardens with its bright yellow flowers. It is not cold-hardy. 

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