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Opuntia is a genus in the cactus family Cactaceae. The
name Opuntia comes from the name of a Greek city. Both
prickly pears (padded types) and chollas (cylindrical
types) are included in this genus of about 300 species.
Opuntia is a very large genus, varying in size from 2
inches tall miniature plants to 100 feet tall trees. They
are native from Canada, to Chile and Argentina. Opuntias
are an easy group of cacti to grow.
They grow in sections, any of which can be removed and
rooted to start a new plant. The pads are actually
modified branches or stems that serve several functions:
water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. But
members of the Opuntia genus are unique because of their
clusters of fine, tiny, barbed spines called glochids.
Found just above the cluster of regular spines, glochids
are yellow or red in color and detach easily from the
pads.
Opuntias often have large, colorful flowers. The fruits
of most prickly pears are edible and sold in stores under
the name "tuna." Prickly pear branches (the
pads) are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They too
are sold in stores under the name "Nopalito."
Hardiness zones 9-11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F). In the
spring and summer the soil should become fairly dry
between waterings. The plant should be given a deep drink
at this time, to the extent that the water runs out the
bottom of the pot. In winter, it is best to water only
enough to keep the plants from shriveling. Opuntia grow
best where they receive at least 4 hours of sunlight
daily, but they will grow fairly well in bright indirect
light indoors. In the spring and summer, Opuntias prefer
night temperatures of 65°F to 70°F and daytime
temperatures of 75°F to 85°F. Use a normal cactus soil.
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