*Opuntia monacantha (Willdenow) Haworth. Common Prickly-pear. Hab: Disturbed areas, sometimes persistent or escaping from horticultural use. Dist: Native of South America (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay). Although O. monacantha can form trees to several meters high, those found in FL typically are smaller, erect shrubs – maybe a result of environmental conditions.
Origin/Endemic status: Neotropics
Other Comments: Reports of O. monacantha from numerous states are erroneous and based on the misinterpretation of the invalid name, O. vulgaris, which has been used for both O. humifusa and O. monacantha (see Leuenberger 1993).
Synonymy: = FNA4, K1, K2, K4; = Opuntia monacanthos – WH3; >< Opuntia vulgaris Mill. – RAB, Benson (1982), Ward (2009e)
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© Alan Cressler: Opuntia monacantha, Cactus Forest Loop, Saguaro National Park, Rincon Mountain District, Pima County, Arizona 2 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Alan Cressler: Opuntia monacantha, Cactus Forest Loop, Saguaro National Park, Rincon Mountain District, Pima County, Arizona 1 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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