Opuntia leucotricha facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opuntia leucotricha |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Opuntia
|
| Species: |
leucotricha
|
The Aaron's Beard Cactus (scientific name: Opuntia leucotricha) is a special type of cactus. People also call it the arborescent pricklypear or semaphore cactus. In Spanish, it's known as duraznillo blanco or nopal blanco. This cactus is famous for its fuzzy, white hairs.
Where It Lives
This amazing cactus is found only in Mexico. It grows in mountain areas across several states. You can find it in San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Querétaro. Being found only in one place means it is endemic to Mexico.
What It Looks Like
The Aaron's Beard Cactus grows like a tree. It can reach up to 5 metres (16 ft) (about 16 feet) tall. Its flat, green pads, called platyclades, are covered with a thin layer of soft, white hairs. These hairs make it look like it has a beard!
Sometimes, this cactus can grow in places where it doesn't naturally belong. For example, it has become an invasive species in Florida. This means it grows so much that it can cause problems for other plants and animals there.
