Opuntia elata is used as an ornamental plant and has become naturalized and invasive in many tropical and subtropical regions. In Australia, it is commonly known as Riverina Pear.
Scientific Name
Opuntia elata Link & Otto
Synonym(s)
Opuntia elata var. elata
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Opuntioideae
Tribe: Opuntieae
Genus: Opuntia
Etymology
The specific epithet "elata (pronounced el-AH-tuh)" means "lifted up, elevated, raised, lofty, high" and probably refers to the tall stems of this species.
Origin
Opuntia elata is native to South America, specifically Bolivia, Paraguay, southern Brazil, northern Argentina, and Uruguay. It has also become widely naturalized in Australia, the Mediterranean region, and southern Africa. This species grows in forests and savannahs at altitudes of up to 1,640 feet (500 m).
Description
Opuntia elata is a shrubby cactus with branches of green, firmly attached segments, often displaying reddish-purple blotches along the margins and around the areoles. It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and may occasionally develop a short trunk that can reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. The segments, known as pads, are thick, inversely egg-shaped to elliptical, measuring up to 12.8 inches (32 cm) long, 5.6 inches (14 cm) wide, and 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) thick. Each pad has between 12 and 32 wooly areoles.
The spines, which can either be absent or 1 to 2 per areole, are irregularly dispersed or confined to the upper half of the pad. They are dark red-brown or reddish-purple with yellowish tips, aging to greyish-brown or pale grey, and can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. Additionally, the areoles bear inconspicuous reddish-brown glochids arranged in small, dense tufts.
From late spring to summer, Opuntia elata produces large, yellow or orange flowers, often tinged with red, mainly toward the tips of the tepals. The flowers can reach a diameter of 3.8 inches (9.5 cm). The edible fruits are red, spineless, roughly fig-shaped, and can grow up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. They contain juicy pulp and numerous beige, hard-coated seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Opuntia elata
Light: Opuntia elata thrives in full sun, but some shade during midday and afternoon can prevent sunburn in hot climates. When grown indoors, it works best in a window that receives sunlight for 6 hours a day.
Soil: This cactus requires a well-draining soil mix. You can use a commercial cactus potting mix or create your own.
Temperature: Opuntia elata is highly tolerant of high temperatures and prefers cooler temperatures in winter. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C).
Watering: From spring to fall, water moderately and let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In most areas, rainfall will be enough for established plants. If potted, never let the container sit in water. Suspend watering during the winter.
Fertilizing: Opuntia elata does not need fertilizer when planted in the ground. However, if grown in a container, it will benefit from fertilization during the growing season. Apply a water-soluble fertilizer. Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes dormant.
Repotting: Repot only when the cactus becomes potbound or is too large and unstable in its container. Choose a slightly larger container with drainage holes at the bottom. The best time for repotting is late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Opuntia elata can be propagated by stem segments or seeds. The easiest method is using stem segments, which yields faster results. Take the stem segments in early summer for best results, and sow the seeds in late spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Opuntia.
Toxicity of Opuntia elata
Opuntia elata is not toxic to humans or pets. However, keeping this plant away from pets and children is best, as it has harmful spines and glochids that may cause skin irritation.
Links
- Back to genus Opuntia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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