Cactaceae

Pereskia aculeata

Common Names: Leaf cactus

Plant Form: Climbing vine-like shrub. Size: Reaching up to 12 high. Stem: Fleshy, hairless, with few small spines ageing to woody with clusters of straight 1-5 cm long spines. Leaves: Alternately arranged, fleshy, oval or egg-shaped, pale green, with smooth edges and pointed tips, clustered towards top of branches, Flowers: White to yellowish 25-40 mm diameter in clusters at branch tips or forks. Often with small spines and leaves. Fruit and Seeds: Rounded, fleshy, 15-45 mm diameter, green to orange with maturity. Containing several black seeds. Habitat: Woodlands, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Can look like Rose cactus (Pereskia grandiflora) but has more of a climbing habit and flowers are white to yellow rather than bright pink. Impacts: Smothers and kills native vegetation, forms impenetrable thickets, spines can cause injury.