Opuntia phaeacantha
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| Engelm. |
Opuntia phaeacantha is a species of plant in the genus Opuntia ( Opuntia ) from the cactus family(Cactaceae). Thespecific epithet phaeacantha is derived from the Greek words φαιός (phaeos) for “twilight” and ἅκανθα (acantha) for “thorn” and refers to the gloomy thorns of the species. English trivial names are “Brown-Spined Prickly Pear”, “Densely Spined” Prickly Pear "," Major Prickly Pear "," Mojave Prickly Pear "," New Mexico Prickly Pear "," Purple-Fruited Prickly Pear "and" Yellow-Spined Prickly Pear ".
description
Opuntia phaeacantha grows shrubby, stretched out to lengthwise. It often forms large cushions that reach a height of up to 90 centimeters and a width of 2.5 meters. The inverted egg-shaped to almost round shoot sections are blue-green and often have a purple hue. They are 10 to 40 inches long, 7 to 24 inches wide and 1.2 to 1.5 inches thick. The elongated conical leaves are up to 9 millimeters long. The 2 to 2.5 centimeters apart elliptical areoles bear brown, reddish brown or yellowish brown, up to 12 millimeters long glochids . The 1 to 10 thorns , which are rarely missing, are reddish brown to dark brown. They arise from all areoles or are limited to the upper part of the shoot sections. The 2.5 to 8 centimeters long spines are spreading, erect or bent back, sometimes curved or twisted, sub-like or flattened.
The 6 to 8 centimeters long flowers are yellow and sometimes have a red base. The reddish-purple to purple, fleshy and smooth fruits are inverted egg-shaped. They are 3.5 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches in diameter.
The number of chromosomes is 2n = 66.
Distribution, systematics and endangerment
Opuntia phaeacantha is widespread in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico . The first description was published in 1849 by George Engelmann . Some authors differentiate between several varieties . Numerous synonyms are known.
In the Red List of Threatened Species of the IUCN , the species is listed as " Least Concern (LC) ". H. listed as not endangered. The development of the populations is considered stable.
use
Warmed sections of the shoots of Opuntia phaeacantha are placed on the breasts of a new mother by the Pima to stimulate the flow of milk. Red color is obtained from the fruits by crushing them.
proof
literature
- Opuntia phaeacantha . In: Edward F. Anderson : The Cactus Family . Timber Press: Portland (Oregon), 2001, p. 511, ISBN 0-88192-498-9
- Opuntia macrorhiza Engelmann. In: NL Britton , JN Rose : The Cactaceae. Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family . Washington, 1919, Volume I, pp. 144 f.
- Opuntia phaeacantha Eng. In: Curt Backeberg : Die Cactaceae: Handbuch der Kakteenkunde . 2nd edition, 1982, Volume I, pp. 506-509 f. ISBN 3-437-30380-5
Individual evidence
- ↑ Opuntia phaeacantha at Tropicos.org. In: IPCN Chromosome Reports . Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
- ^ Memoirs of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences . Volume 4, 1849, p. 52.
- ↑ Opuntia phaeacantha in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014.3. Posted by: Terry, M., Heil, K., Gómez-Hinostrosa, C. & Corral-Díaz, R., 2013. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
