Wheel cactus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wheel cactus |
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| Opuntia robusta growth form. | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Opuntia
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| Species: |
robusta
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Opuntia robusta, also known as the wheel cactus, nopal tapon, or camuesa, is a type of cactus. It belongs to the Cactaceae family. This plant naturally grows only in central and northern Mexico. It is found near the borders of Arizona and New Mexico.
This cactus grows in rocky areas, open shrub lands, and forests. You can find it mixed with other cacti and succulents. It lives in places that are very high up, from about 5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level.
Contents
What Does the Wheel Cactus Look Like?
These plants are usually around 1 meter (about 3 feet) tall. However, they can grow much taller, sometimes over 3 meters (about 10 feet), if they have support.
Stem Segments and Spines
The main parts of the stem are flat, round, and blue-grey. These parts are called pads. Each pad can be up to 30 centimeters (about 1 foot) wide. They also have sharp spines that can be up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) long.
Flowers and Fruits
Opuntia robusta produces yellow flowers. These flowers grow on the edges of the upper stem pads. After the flowers, the plant grows barrel-shaped fruits. These fruits are fleshy and can be pink or purple. They grow up to 8 centimeters (about 3 inches) long.
How Does the Wheel Cactus Reproduce?
Some groups of Opuntia robusta plants have different ways of reproducing. Some populations have only male and female plants. Others have plants that are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female parts. There are also groups that have male, female, and hermaphrodite plants all together.
Where Does the Wheel Cactus Grow?
The Opuntia robusta cactus was first officially described in 1837. This happened in a book called Enumeratio Diagnostica Cactearum hucusque Cognitarum. While it is native to Mexico, it has also started growing in other places. It can now be found in the states of South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria in Australia. This means it has become naturalized there.
Images for kids
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Opuntia robusta flower.
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Opuntia robusta stem segment and immature fruit.
See also
In Spanish: Nopal tapón para niños
