Its seeds are mainly widespread by birds, which are the only animals which manage to feed on their spiny fruits, alltogheter with iguanas and a few species of snails. Opuntias thrive in arid regions with mild Winters and occasional rainfalls ( mean annual rainfall of 350–500 mm).
It is extremely tough and tend to form large colonies: that’s why, when introduced in exotic habitats, it can become a weed species: this has happened in Australia, where they try to control their spreadint through a local parasite: Cactoblastis cactorum. Opuntias are native of America, where they can be found from Patagonia to the United States. Opuntia is a genus of cacti which includesmore than 300 species: the most famous one is undoubtely the prickly-pear or “Indian fig Opuntia”, known for its fleshy, orange, edible fruits (however covered in hairy, tiny spines called glochids). Habitat: South american desert areas, but also grows spontaneously along the coasts of southern Italy, where it is possible to admire it of sometimes quite impressive dimensions.Ĭultivation: Not very difficult, as Opuntias are very tough plants.Ĭuriosity: Opuntia was named after “Opunte”, the capital of Locride region in ancient Greece.
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