Opuntia cespitosa

Opuntia cespitosa, commonly called the eastern prickly pear,^[1] is a species of cactus native to North America.

Opuntia cespitosa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Cactaceae
Genus:	Opuntia
Species:	O. cespitosa
Binomial name
Opuntia cespitosa Raf.

Description

Opuntia cespitosa is a prostrate succulent shrub, usually no more than 1-2 segments tall. It has large white spines, and a low layer of reddish-brown glochids, which break off in the skin if touched. It produces a yellow and red flower in late spring.^[2]

Taxonomy

This species was historically included in a broadly defined Opuntia humifusa group, which is found further to the east. Opuntia cespitosa differs from Opuntia humifusa in its flowers having a red center.^[3]

Distribution and Habitat

The species is commonly found at the west of Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi River, where it is found in the Midwest, Upper South and in Ontario.^[1] Its natural habitat is in dry, open areas, such as outcrops, glades, and barrens.^[1]

Invasive Plant

O. cespitosa is invasive in South Africa. Some Hypogeococcus mealybugs are used as biological pest controls of this and other invasive cacti there.^[4]