Cactaceae

Opuntia robusta

Common Names: Wheel cactus

Plant Form: Upright succulent shrub. Size: Usually 1-2 m tall, but up to 4 m. Stem: Bluish-green circular pads up to 40 cm diameter with clusters of numerous barbed bristles and sharp spines 1-4 cm long. Leaves: Small, scale-like, shed quickly. Flowers: Yellow, with reddish streaks at the back, 5-8 cm across. Fruit and Seeds: Pink to purple, barrel-shaped, with fine hairs or bristles. Habitat: Arid areas, grasslands. Distinguishing Features: Circular bluish pads distinguish from other Opuntioid cacti (Opuntia species).