Latin Name: Opuntia fragilis Trade Name: brittle cactus, prickly pear
Priced Each: $5.00 (3-inch)
Estimate Delivery: November 26. 2008
Opuntia is a very large and diverse genus of the Cactus family. The name Opuntia actually comes from the name of a Greek city. Plants of this group range from small specimen just a few inches in height with dime-sized pads to the magnificent padded plants towering over 30 feet in height.
Not surprisingly, many of these varieties are easy to propagate, tolerant of drought and relatively easy to grow. The flowers are generally large and colorful.
Amazingly, it has been suggested this particular specie is tolerant to -60�F. Will it hold true? I'm not sure as it doesn't get that cold here (thankfully).