Discover Nature at JCU Plants NQ Weeds by scientific name A-P Opuntia tomentosa

Opuntia tomentosa

Image of Opuntia

(Velvet tree pear)

FAMILY

Cactaceae

Species

Opuntia tomentosa

Common name

Velvet tree pear (a weed)

Flower colour; life form

Flowers orange; succulent tree-like plant to 5 m tall, leafless

Distinguishing features

Stems swollen and flattened, individual sections 15-35 cm long and 8-12 cm wide. Spines present on young plants, but usually absent on mature trees. Flowers solitary, perianth deep orange. Fruit succulent about 5 cm long, 3 cm wide, dull red. A native of Mexico.