Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Opuntia engelmannii Salm-Dyck ex Engelmann var. engelmannii
(Engelmann Prickly Pear, Cactus-apple)

Family: Cactaceae

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 var. engelmannii grows in large clumps. It is similar to Opuntia chlorotica, but it does not have a single trunk. Also, the individual joints are larger in Opuntia engelmannii. 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 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, 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 fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Bill Norris & Scott Zager, Burro Mtns., CD Trail at south side of Jack's Peak, Nov. 9, 2008

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