Opuntia austrina

Opuntia austrina has joints (also known as cladodes[2] and pads[3]), which are the segments that grow from the single, cylindrical stem,[4] that are elongated with the length most of the time 2 to 3 times the width.[5] The joints are often dark green in color.[2] Just like other cactus species, O. austrina has spines on the joints and on the stem. O. austrina can grow up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) in height,[6] which will form large shrubs but can also form small treelets.[4] This cactus' plants are flowering, with yellow flowers that produce red fruits.[3]

This species of prickly pear is mostly found in South Florida,[6] in sandy substrates often in brushy dunes inland and mangrove edges on the coast.[5] Other native habitats include scrub, scrubby flatwoods, and xeric, or dry, disturbed areas.[3] The yellow flowers of this cactus attracts many pollinators in this ecosystem like bees and other insects including the dotted skipper.[3]

This cactus species is considered to be endemic to Florida,[3] but has been also recorded in other states.[7] This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.[1] However, a potential threat is one found in all members of the genus Opuntia – the cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum),[3] an invasive species that arrived to Florida in 1989 and has been a serious threat to the cacti in this genus all over North America.[3]