Opuntia × alta explained

Opuntia alta is a cactus species in the genus Opuntia. It is a large plant, with some older specimens forming trees to 15feet tall.[1] It is a naturally-occurring hybrid of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri and O. stricta native to Texas and Louisiana.

Identification

It resembles Opuntia lindheimeri, and immature specimens can be mistaken for that taxon.[2] Mature O. alta plants form discrete trunks and have small fruits. Unlike O. lindheimeri, the flowers have pale stigmas.

Opuntia alta is probably closely related to Opuntia cacanapa, which grows further inland.

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External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Opuntia alta. Opuntiads. 24 December 2011 .
  2. Illustrated studies in the genus Opuntia III. Missouri Botanical Garden Annual Report. 165–166. 21. Griffiths. David. 1910. 10.2307/2400129 . 2400129 . 23 June 2017.