Status: Native
Synonyms:
Opuntia discata Griffiths
Opuntia dillei Griffiths Opuntia microcarpa Engelmann ex B.D. Jackson
Opuntia phaeacantha Engelmann var. discata (Griffiths) Benson
Opuntia riparia Griffiths
Opuntia tardospina Griffiths
Opuntia valida Griffiths
Opuntia engelmannii grows in large clumps. It is similar to Opuntia chlorotica, but it does not
have a single, upright trunk. Also, the individual cladodes ("pads") are often larger in Opuntia engelmannii. Ripe fruits of O. engelmannii are bright purple-red externally and internally, and very juicy. Both these two Opuntias can be found
in similar habits, lower and mid elevations in rocky or sandy areas.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Opuntia engelmannii, photo Richard Felger, Silver City, Gomez Peak, October 4, 2010
Opuntia engelmannii, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, May 23, 2007
Opuntia engelmannii, detail of flower, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Lake, May 23, 2007
Opuntia engelmannii, mature fruit opened, photo Richard Felger, Silver City, Gomez Peak, October 4, 2010
Opuntia engelmannii, immature fruit opened, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Scott Zager, Burro Mtns., CD Trail at south side of Jack's Peak, Nov. 9, 2008
Opuntia engelmannii, macro of opened immature fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Scott Zager, Burro Mtns., CD Trail at south side of Jack's Peak, Nov. 9, 2008
Opuntia engelmannii, field macro of areole, photo Russ Kleinman, Hwy 180N north of Market Street in Silver City, November 15, 2009
Opuntia engelmannii, field macro of glochids, photo Russ Kleinman, Hwy 180N north of Market Street in Silver City, November 15, 2009
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