Opuntia galapageia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Opuntia galapageia
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Opuntia
Species:	galapageia
Infraspecific taxa
See text.
Synonyms
Opuntia megasperma J.T.Howell As subtaxa: Opuntia echios J.T.Howell Opuntia helleri K.Schum. Opuntia insularis A.Stewart Opuntia myriacantha F.A.C.Weber Opuntia saxicola J.T.Howell

Opuntia galapageia is a special type of cactus that grows only on the Galápagos Islands. These islands are part of Ecuador, a country in South America. This cactus is endemic to the Galápagos, meaning it's found nowhere else in the world.

Scientists used to think there were many different species of Opuntia cacti on the islands. But now, they mostly agree that many of these are actually just different forms or varieties of O. galapageia. This includes cacti once called Opuntia echios, Opuntia helleri, Opuntia insularis, Opuntia megasperma, Opuntia myriacantha, and Opuntia saxicola.

What Does This Cactus Look Like?

This cactus can have very impressive spines! One type, sometimes called "Opuntia g. echios," has some of the longest spines. These can grow up to 25 centimeters (about 10 inches) long. Imagine a cactus with spines as long as a ruler!

How Scientists Name Plants

A type of Opuntia cactus.

The Opuntia galapageia cactus was first described by a scientist named John Stevens Henslow in 1837. It was first seen and recorded by the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. He found it on Santiago Island in 1835, during his nine-day visit there.

After Darwin's visit, other scientists described at least five more types of Opuntia cacti from the Galápagos. These were given names like Opuntia helleri and Opuntia insularis.

However, in 2006, a botanist named David Hunt suggested that all these different types were actually the same species. He believed they were all just variations of O. galapageia. This idea has been accepted by many, including the IUCN Red List, which tracks endangered species. Plants of the World Online, a big plant database, also agrees with this idea.

Different Kinds of Galápagos Cactus

Even though they are now considered one species, there are many different varieties and forms of Opuntia galapageia. These different types often look a bit different and grow on specific islands. As of June 2021, Plants of the World Online lists several accepted varieties:

Image	Name	Where it Grows
	Opuntia galapageia subvar. barringtonensis	Santa Fe
	Opuntia galapageia var. gigantea	Santa Cruz
	Opuntia galapageia var. helleri	Darwin, Genovesa, Marchena, Wolf
	Opuntia galapageia subvar. inermis	Isabela
	Opuntia galapageia var. insularis	Fernandina, Isabela
	Opuntia galapageia var. macrocarpa	Pinzon
	Opuntia galapageia var. myriacantha
	Opuntia galapageia var. profusa	Isabela, Santiago
	Opuntia galapageia var. saxicola	Isabela
	Opuntia galapageia var. zacana	North Seymour

Some other varieties have been named in the past, but they are not currently recognized as distinct types by the main plant databases.

Where Does This Cactus Live?

The Opuntia galapageia cactus is found only on the Galápagos Islands. As you saw in the list above, different forms and varieties of this cactus grow on specific islands. This is a common pattern for plants and animals in the Galápagos, where each island can have its own unique species or varieties.

Here are some of the islands where different types of O. galapageia are found: