Some botanists treatOpuntia dilleniias avarietyofOpuntiastricta , while others do not recognize it at all . Although both industrial plant can maturate in alike home ground , they have distinct differences . One primal preeminence is thatOpuntia dilleniitypically has joints with undulated edge . to boot , Opuntia dilleniiis often much spinnier thanOpuntia stricta .

Opuntia dillenii(Ker Gawl . ) Haw .

Dillen ’s Prickly Pear , Erect Pricklypear , Flat Hand Dildo , Jumbie Prickle , Seaside Tuna , Sour Prickle

Opuntia dillenii (Dillen’s Prickly Pear) aka Opuntia stricta var. dillenii

In the wild, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Derivative of a photo bychiuluan. Licensed underCC BY 4.0.

Cactus dillenii , Opuntia stricta var . dillenii , Opuntia zebrina

Family : CactaceaeSubfamily : OpuntioideaeTribe : OpuntieaeGenus : Opuntia

The specific epithet " dillenii " ( say " dil - LEN - ee - optic " ) honorsJohann Jacob Dillenius(1684 - 1747 ) , a German botanist who was a professor of botany at the University of Oxford .

Opuntia dillenii (Dillen’s Prickly Pear) aka Opuntia stricta var. dillenii

In the wild, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Derivative of a photo byLittlebu Liu. Licensed underCC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

Opuntia dilleniiis aboriginal to the southeasternUnited States , easternMexico , and theWest Indies , but it was introduce to northernSouth America . It is one of the most commonOpuntiaspecies in juiceless coastal scrub vegetation .

Opuntia dillenii , also have intercourse asOpuntia strictavar.dillenii , is an erect or spreadingshrubwith numerous lateral branches composed of inverselyovateto subcircular joints . Thiscactuscan grow up to 10 feet ( 3 m ) marvelous and has either notrunkor a curt , nearly cylindrical one . The articulatio are green to gray - greenish , have brownglochids , and typically 3 to 7 yellow to yellowish brown spines perareole . They can reach a distance of 16 in ( 40 curium ) long and a width of 10 inches ( 25 cm ) astray . The vertebral column , which can evaluate up to 2.4 inches ( 6 curium ) long , are awl - shaped , slightly drop , and straight or moderately curving . The deciduous leaves are slender , tapering to a point in time , and can grow up to 0.25 inches ( 0.6 cm ) long .

From summertime to mid - declination , Opuntia dilleniiproduces yellow prime with a diameter that can turn over 3.6 inch ( 9 cm ) . The yield are reddish to purplish , Pyrus communis - regulate , with persistent glochidium . They curb yellowish - browned seeds and can acquire up to 2.4 inches ( 6 curium ) long and 1.6 in ( 4 cm ) in diam .

Opuntia dillenii (Dillen’s Prickly Pear) aka Opuntia stricta var. dillenii

In the wild, Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Derivative of a photo byanaluizaoli. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Light : Opuntia dilleniithrives in full Dominicus , but some nicety during midday and good afternoon can prevent sunburn in live climates . When grow indoors , it lick best in a window that receives sunlight for 6 hours a day .

grunge : This cactus requires a well - draining soil mix . you could expend a commercial cactus potting mixing orcreate your own .

Temperature : Opuntiadilleniiis highly broad of gamey temperaturesandprefers cool temperature in winter . It grows best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones9b to 11b , with modal minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 ° F ( -3.9 to 10 ° blow ) .

Opuntia dillenii (Dillen’s Prickly Pear) aka Opuntia stricta var. dillenii

In the wild, Arraial do Cabo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Derivative of a photo byMaria A. Villalobos H. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

lacrimation : From spring to come down , water reasonably and permit the filth dry out entirely before watering again . In most areas , rainfall will be enough for established plants . If pot , never let the container ride in piss . Suspendwateringduring the winter .

Fertilizing : Opuntiadilleniidoes not postulate fertiliser when found in the soil . However , it will benefit from fertilizing during the growing time of year when grown in a container . hold a water - soluble fertilizer . set aside feeding during the winter when the plant life go torpid .

Repotting : Repot only when the cactus becomes potbound or is too big and unstable in its container . prefer a slightly with child container with drainage trap at the bottom . The just time for repotting is late winter or former give .

Propagation : Opuntiadilleniican be propagated   by stem section or seminal fluid . The wanton method is by stem segments , which give faster solvent . For good results , take the stem segment in early summerand sow the cum in late springiness .

Learn more atHow to Grow and Care for Opuntia .

Opuntiadilleniiis not toxic to mankind or pets . However , it is near to keep this industrial plant away from PET and children , as its harmful spines and glochidium may cause tegument irritation .

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