Spanish lady facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spanish lady |
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| Opuntia filtered | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Opuntia
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| Species: |
triacantha
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The Opuntia triacantha is a special type of cactus. People call it by many fun names like Spanish lady or Keys Joe-jumper. It's also known as Big Pine Key prickly-pear and jumping prickly apple. This cactus naturally grows in the Caribbean region. You can find it from Desecheo Island and Puerto Rico all the way to the Lesser Antilles.
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About the Spanish Lady Cactus
This unique cactus can grow in different ways. It might spread out flat on the ground. Or, it can stand upright. It can reach a length of up to 60 centimeters, which is about two feet tall.
What it Looks Like
The stems of the Spanish lady cactus are flat and shaped like ovals. They can be up to 18 centimeters long and 7 centimeters wide. This cactus has sharp spines. These spines can grow up to 4 centimeters long. They often have black tips.
The Opuntia triacantha is known for its beautiful yellow flowers. It produces these flowers all year long. After the flowers, the cactus grows a fleshy red fruit. This fruit can be up to 3 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide.
Where it Lives
This cactus likes to grow in specific places. It prefers sandy limestone areas. You can often find it on exposed reefs. These are places where old coral reefs have been lifted up and are now above water.
Its Biggest Threat
Sadly, the Spanish lady cactus faces a danger. It is threatened by a creature called the cactus moth. The scientific name for this moth is Cactoblastis cactorum. This moth can cause harm to the cactus.
See also
In Spanish: Opuntia triacantha para niños
