Opuntia hyptiacantha
Opuntia hyptiacantha F.A.C.Weber
Opuntia hyptiacantha is a species in the Cactaceae family, native to several regions in Mexico. It is characterized by its tree-like growth form, reaching 2.0–2.5 m in height, with a defined trunk and elliptical to oval cladodes. The plant is distributed in central, gulf, northeast, and southwest Mexico.
Description
Opuntia hyptiacantha is a tree-like cactus with a trunk up to 35 cm in diameter and a slightly grayish scaly bark with light brown tones. The epidermis is glabrous. Cladodes are elliptical to oval, 32–40 cm long and 14–24 cm wide, green, and covered with a thin layer of wax. Areolas are arranged in 12–13 series, with short black trichomes and very small yellow glochids. Spines, if present (0–9), are white with yellowish tips, rigid, and unequal in length. Juvenile cladodes have tubers and reddish apex leaves. The flowers are yellow, 6.0–7.0 cm long, with elliptical pericarps and areolas arranged in 5–6 series. It is found in central, gulf, northeast, and southwest Mexico.
Distribution
Global · Mexico Central · Mexico Gulf · Mexico Northeast · Mexico Southwest
Synonyms
Opuntia matudaeOpuntia chavenaOpuntia nigritaOpuntia cretochaeta
