Opuntia cacti (prickly pear/wheel cactus)
Opuntia spp. except O. ficus-indicaWeed profile
- Perennial
- Cactus/Succulent
- Shrub
- Weeds of National Significance (WoNS)
- Hinders movement
- Injures animals
- Habitat: native vegetation, pastures
Impact
Compete with native vegetation. Forms prickly thickets. Can injure animals.
Description
- Succulent, shrubby perennials.
- Stems flattened into pad-shaped segments, dotted with large spines.
- Leaves absent.
- Flowers large with numerous petals in various colours.
- Most produce red, fleshy fruits.