Opuntia guatemalensis

Opuntia guatemalensis, commonly known as the Guatemalan prickly pear, is a species of prickly pear cactus in the family Cactaceae.[1] It was described by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose, who had written multiple journals about the family, Cactaceae throughout 1919–1923, in which the genus Opuntia was included.[2]

Opuntia guatemalensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Species:
O. guatemalensis
Binomial name
Opuntia guatemalensis
Britton ex. Rose

Description

Opuntia guatemalensis is a low growing, spreading prickly pear, with pads that are 10–20 cm (4-8 inches) long. Areoles are light brown, or slightly tan, and raised. Spines are white-gray, being darker at the tip, and are present over 2/3 to 3/4 of an average pad. Large spines are partially perpendicular to the pad. Flower blooms are a light yellow to potentially a darker red.[1]

Distribution and habitat

Opuntia guatemalensis can be found in tropical, dry-temperate forests throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with generally scattered individuals.[1]

Conservation

Opuntia guatemalensis is listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List, for there is no severe threats to its range. Forest fires may be a common threat though.[3]

Uses

Opuntia guatemalensis most likely is used as a part of local cuisine in its vast natural range, although this may differ.

References
  1. "Opuntia guatemalensis – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  2. "The Cactaceae, Britton and Rose – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
  3. "Opuntia guatemalensis". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
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