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Habitat:
the genus is widespread across America, from sea level to 3000 metres (9800
ft).
Description: these plants are variable in size and develop braches
with flat, cylindrical or globular ribless articles (pads) covered with
spines of varying length that arise from the areoles. The hybrid species
often flower more profusely but are incapable of setting seed. The flowers
are large, yellow or red-coloured with neither tube nor stalk (sessile).
Some species have synonyms in the following genera: Puna,
Austrocylindropuntia, Consolea, Corynopuntia, Nopalea, Marenopuntia.
Soil: loose garden soil that may be improved by adding some peat
and mature manure.
Location: adult specimens are best grown in strong direct sunlight.
Temperature: they should be overwintered at a minimum of about 4°C
(39°F) although some can withstand occasional light frosts (O. phaecantha,
O. compressa). The species O. brasiliensis, acanthocarpa, bahiensis,
verschaffeltii, gosseliniana, pachypus, prefer a minimum of 8°C (46°F).
Water: average; they resent high humidity levels.
Cultivation tips: many of them can be grown outdoors since they can
tolerate low temperatures in dry conditions, just like Tephrocactus.
Apply fertilizer once a year. Propagate from seed or cutting. Large species
are fast-growing.
Main species: O. bigelowi; O. bulbispina, minimum temperature
of 3°C (37°F); O. cacanapa; O. elatior, from Venezuela and Colombia,
naturalized in Australia; O. chlorotica; O. cymochila; O. ficus-indica;
O. sanguinicola;O. articulata, mineral soil with some organic
matter; O. erinacea; O. brasiliensis;
O. imbricata; O. pottsii; O. robusta ;O. microdasys v.rufida, needs some
humus in the soil; O. leptocaulis; O. marenae; O. nova;O.
phaecantha; O. polyacantha; O. sulphurea;
O. tortispina; O. trichophora; O. whipplei;O. macrodisca; O. tomentosa; O.
tunicata.
Opuntia vestita fa crest.
Opuntia vestita fa crest.
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