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.
Opuntia macrocentra, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Engineer Canyon, Sept. 10, 2005
Opuntia macrocentra, characteristic appearance, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road near Engineer Canyon, March 1, 2010
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