Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Opuntia macrocentra Engelmann
(Purple Prickly Pear)
Family: Cactaceae
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Opuntia violacea Engelmann ex B.D. Jackson
Opuntia violacea Engelmann var. castetteri L. Benson
Opuntia violacea Engelmann var. macrocentra (Engelmann) L. Benson
Opuntia macrocentra is a smaller Opuntia than Opuntia chlorotica and Opuntia engelmannii.
It does not have a trunk as with Opuntia chlorotica or as large joints as Opuntia engelmanii. It has purple spines along
the edges and a paucity of spines more centrally. Opuntia macrocentra is found in lower and
middle elevations.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
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Opuntia macrocentra, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Sept. 10, 2005
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Opuntia macrocentra, characteristic appearance, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road near Engineer Canyon, March 1, 2010
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