Scientific Name
Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Backeb.
Common Names
Eve's Needle Cactus, Eve's Pin Cactus, Long Spine Cactus
Synonyms
Austrocylindropuntia exaltata, Opuntia exaltata, Cylindropuntia exaltata, Opuntia subulata, Cylindropuntia subulata, Pereskia subulata
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Austrocylindropuntieae
Genus: Austrocylindropuntia
Description
Austrocylindropuntia subulata is a tree-like cactus that grows up to 13 feet (4 m) tall. It has a trunk, up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, and cylindrical joints that are up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and up to 2.5 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are green, nearly cylindrical and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long. Spines are light yellow, 1 to 2 per areole, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. Flowers are red, up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. They are followed by red fruits.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Though the large variety of species within the Opuntia genus means different Prickly Pears may need slightly different care, all are desert cacti that need lots of sun, lots of light, and very little water. If you live in a hot, arid area, these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed.
As desert cacti, Prickly Pears require maximum sunlight to thrive. They should be kept in direct sunlight whenever possible. Very little water is required. These drought-resistant plants grow best in hot, dry areas, and excessive water could cause them to rot. Hot temperatures are best, but these cacti will tolerate a very wide range of temperatures. The most important soil requirement for Opuntia is that it drains well. Other than that, a basic potting soil is fine, and these cacti will grow in rock gardens as well.
Though Opuntia will grow just fine in a garden, they can be grown in pots as well. To repot, ensure the soil is dry, then remove the pot and knock away the old soil. After treating any cuts with fungicide, place the prickly pear in a new pot and backfill it with potting soil. As with a new cutting, make sure not to water a newly repotting prickly pear for a brief period to avoid rotting its roots. See more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Forms and Cultivars
- Austrocylindropuntia subulata f. cristata
- Austrocylindropuntia subulata f. monstrosa
- Austrocylindropuntia subulata 'Gumby'
Origin
Austrocylindropuntia subulata is native to the higher elevations of Ecuador and Peru.
Links
- Back to genus Austrocylindropuntia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
