Opuntia rastrera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opuntia rastrera |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Opuntia
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| Species: |
rastrera
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The Opuntia rastrera is a type of prickly pear cactus. It grows in Mexico, especially in the state of San Luis Potosí. People in Mexico often call it cuija. However, the name "cuija" can also be used for other types of cacti, like the Brasiliopuntia.
Contents
About the Cuija Cactus
The Opuntia rastrera cactus can be found in different places. It grows on gentle slopes (called bajadas), at the bottom of hills, and between sand dunes. For example, you can find it in the Mapimi biosphere reserve. Sometimes, it is the most common cactus in an area. Other times, it is just one of many cacti growing there.
How the Cuija Cactus Grows
The Opuntia rastrera can grow in two main ways. It can grow from seeds, or it can grow from parts of the plant itself. The way it grows most often depends on where it lives.
Growing from Seeds
For the seeds of this cactus to sprout, they need to rest for at least one year. This resting time is called a dormancy period. Unlike some other seeds, scratching or treating Opuntia rastrera seeds with chemicals does not seem to help them sprout faster.
Growing from Plant Parts
This cactus can also reproduce using parts of its own body. This is called vegetative propagation. For example, a piece of the cactus might break off and start to grow into a new plant.
In areas with lots of grass, the cactus usually grows more from seeds. But in places with more scrubland (bushes and small trees), it tends to grow more from pieces of the plant.
See also
In Spanish: Opuntia rastrera para niños
