Bunny-ear prickly pear
Opuntia microdasys

Family: Cactaceae

What it is like

A bushy cactus. Varieties can vary between 45 to 60 cm high. They can spread 2 m across. The joints can be 6-12 cm long. They are light green and oval. The flowers are yellow and 3-5 cm wide. They are cup shaped. The buds are reddish. The fruit are round and dark red.

There are about 250 Opuntia species.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It needs slight shade. It needs temperatures above 10°C to grow. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to -7°C for short periods. Geelong Botanical Gardens. It grows in arid desert zones. It needs open well-drained soils. It needs full sun. It needs plant hardiness zones 9-12. Queen Sirikit BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Central America, Indonesia, Mexico, North America, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), Thailand, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Angel's wings, Bunny ears, Kaktus kuping kelinci, Kratkoščetinasta opuncija, Nopal Cegador, Nopalillo cegador

Synonyms

Opuntia macrocalyx Griffiths; Cactus microdasys Lehmann;