Angiosperms: Dicotyledons

Cactaceae
Cactus Family

• Stem: joints flattened into fleshy, oval segments about 4 1/2” long, dull green; with 1/2” (1”) spines solitary or in pairs.
• Inflorescence: few flowers attached to the upper, curving edge of terminal joints.
• Flowers: many yellow petals, about 1” long, many stamens and a single style; ovary tapering, petals attached at the top of the ovary (inferior ovary), with spines; flowering from mid-June to mid-July.
• Fruits: red, columnar, 1” to 2” long.
• Habitat: very infrequent; only on dry, rocky, or sandy prairies.
• Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library