Cactacea - Botanical Family

This variety of opuntia has thornless, pleasant to touch thick leaves. During summer hot day leaves warm up and their touch reminds of a warm hand touch. The plant will form a nice ornamental shrub. Flowers are bright red to crimson. Very fast growing, will thrive in neglect, tolerates almost any conditions. Perfect plant for a lazy gardener.

This is a nearly spineless variety of cactus that is easy to prepare, and has a delightful taste both raw and cooked. Sometimes can be confused with Opuntia monacantha that usually has more thorns. Related species - Opuntia tomentosa.

Opuntia microdasys, commonly known as Bunny Ears Cactus, is a compact, branching cactus in the Cactaceae family native to Mexico. It forms clusters of flattened, oval pads that resemble small ears, typically reaching 1 to 3 ft in height. The pads are covered with dense tufts of fine, hair-like glochids in yellow or white rather than long spines, giving the plant a soft appearance despite being irritating to the skin. In warm conditions, it may produce small, cup-shaped yellow flowers followed by red to purple fruits.

This species prefers full sun and very well-drained, sandy or mineral soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications. Growth rate is moderate under warm conditions. Cold tolerance is limited, with damage likely below about 25 to 28F; best suited to USDA Zones 9 to 11. Opuntia microdasys is well suited to container growing and requires protection from excess moisture and frost.

Prickly pear cactus are found in all of the deserts of the American Southwest, with different species having adapted to different locale and elevation ranges. Most require course, well-drained soil in dry, rocky flats or slopes. All have flat, fleshy pads that look like large leaves. The pads are actually modified branches or stems that serve several functions - water storage, photosynthesis and flower production. 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. Glochids are often difficult to see and more difficult to remove, once lodged in the skin. The fruits of most prickly pears are edible. Prickly pear branches (the pads) are also cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Because of the glochids, great care is required when harvesting or preparing prickly pear cactus. Most prickly pear cactus have yellow, red or purple flowers, even among the same species. There are many varieties, non-native imports and hybrids, so identification can often be difficult.

There has been medical interest in the Prickly Pear plant. Some studies have shown that the pectin contained in the Prickly Pear pulp lowers levels of "bad" cholesterol while leaving "good" cholesterol levels unchanged. Another study found that the fibrous pectin in the fruit may lower diabetics need for insulin. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that help keep blood sugar stable. Both fruits and pads of the prickly pear cactus are rich in slowly absorbed soluble fibers that may help keep blood sugar stable. There are on going studies and at this point there are no proven results on humans.

The plant is closely related to Opuntia microdasys, and is sometimes taken as its subspecies, Opuntia microdasys subsp. rufida.

Opuntia (Prickly Pear) is a massive genus of cacti that range in size from miniature plants of 2in to plants that are 20ft tall. Opuntia can grow in various habitats, including full sun and dry to part shade and moist. The plant requires well-drained soil and sufficient water during growth but must dry out before watering again. It is best to use a soil and sand mix to ensure proper drainage.

It is grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. Some species of Opuntia can tolerate much colder temperature, however, in colder climates, it is advisable to grow the plant in a container and move it indoors when the temperature approaches freezing.

Opuntia is highly tolerant of poor soil and requires minimal fertilizers. However, the plant responds well to additional nutrients. The plant produces beautiful flowers in various colors, such as red, crimson, vinous, yellow, and orange, which can attract insects, birds, and hummingbirds, providing them with food and nectar. Opuntia is known for its medicinal properties and was used in the past for ethnomedical treatments.

The fruit is also big and generally edible.

Oreocereus sp. (Old Man of the Andes Cactus) is a striking columnar cactus native to the high Andes of South America, where it grows at elevations above 10,000 feet. It is best known for its thick covering of long white hairs that protect the plant from intense sun and cold, giving it a soft, woolly appearance. The stems are ribbed and can reach several feet in height, often forming clusters with age. Beneath the silky hairs are sharp spines, usually reddish or yellow at the tips, creating a vivid contrast when viewed up close. Mature plants may produce tubular red or orange flowers near the stem tips, attracting hummingbirds in their native range.

This hardy mountain cactus thrives in full sun, dry air, and fast-draining soil. It prefers cool nights and low humidity, making it ideal for high-altitude gardens or as a collector's plant in containers. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, and protect from excessive moisture during winter. Oreocereus species are tolerant of brief light frosts but should be kept above 25F for best growth. Plants thrive in USDA Zones 9 11 and reward minimal care with long-lived, sculptural beauty.

Pachycereus pringlei, native to northwestern Mexico, is a massive, tree-like cactus with thick, ribbed columns that can reach over 30 feet tall. It is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun with minimal water. This slow-growing species prefers sandy, well-drained soil and is ideal for xeriscapes or desert-themed gardens.