Cactaceae
Cactus Family
Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.
Opuntia compressa (Salisb.) J. P. Macbr.
- 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
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
