Opuntia dillenii

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  • Herbarium No: UPH NO. V--861
  • Opuntia dillenii
  • (Ker Gawl.) Haw.
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Opuntia dillenii
  • Genus: Opuntia
  • Synonym: Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.
  • Common/Local Name(s): Erect Pricklypear
  • Family: Cactaceae
  • Botanical Description: Opuntia dillenii grows as a shrubby or tree-like cactus, typically reaching 2 to 5 meters (about 6.5 to 16 feet) in height. The plant is composed of flat, fleshy pads (cladodes) that are green to blue-green. These pads are segmented and can store water, an adaptation to arid environments. True leaves are absent in mature plants. The pads, which are modified stems, perform photosynthesis. The flowers of Opuntia dillenii are large and showy. They are typically yellow but can have red to orange shades. The fruit is a pear-shaped berry that can be red or purple when ripe.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers from May to June. Flowers from May to June. Fruiting from August to September.
  • Plant Uses: Culinary Uses, Medicinal Uses and Ornamental Use.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: University of Port Harcourt Botanical Garden Abuja Campus.
  • Habit: Shrub
  • Mode: Cultivated

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