Shrubby cactus with narrow, weak stems and deciduous green leaves. From tropical southern Mexico and Guatemala. Stems reach about 0.8" in diameter, branching at right angles, and old plants may grow to 15 feet tall. Stems are round in cross section and unsegmented, with 0-3 spines per areole as well as white hairs and abundant dark red glochids. Flowers are yellow and about 2" in diameter. This genus of shrubby cacti resembles the primitive cactus genus Pereskia in habit, but is actually placed in the Opuntiodeae. This species grows easily from cuttings and performs well in the landscape, though the stems are rather weak and insubstantial. Handle with care or use gloves to avoid getting glochids stuck in your hands.

Reply to this comment