Help with cactus identification

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
WonderWeasel Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a) Sep 17, 2011

Hello--

I started a few cactus seeds from a variety pack back in March. Initially, the seedlings all looked very similar, but now they are starting to distinguish themselves, thanks to their adult characteristics. Only problem is, I still can't identify one of them. I'm assuming it's some sort of prickly pear cactus because of the "flatter" shape it is taking, but am not 100%. The types of cacti that were included in the seed pack are Saguaro, Hedgehog, Fishhook Barrel, Dollar Prickly Pear, Desert Prickly Pear, Christmas Cholla, Cane Cholla, Santa Rita Pear, and Cardo'n. I've also included a picture of the cactus. Thanks for your help!

--Jordan

Thumbnail by WonderWeasel
Post #8811845
Quote
WonderWeasel Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a) Sep 17, 2011

And a profile picture showing the cactus' flatness:

Thumbnail by WonderWeasel
Post #8811846
Quote
tlt626 Frankston, TX Sep 17, 2011

I think this is it, I had one for years, I still had to look up the name.

Cactaceae
Opuntia basilaris
Bakersfield Cactus
Look for:
- a low-growing cactus (usually 6-12" high and 1-6 ft wide)
- flattened, obovate pads (stems)
- with or without spines
- showy flowers with a pink to magenta perianth, many magenta-red filaments, a white or pink style, and a white stigma
* Similar sp: Opuntia ficus-indica is a taller, larger cactus.

Post #8811925
Quote
swayback Lexington, KY Sep 20, 2011

its certainly an opuntia, there are literally 1000s of varieties of them, including prickly pears and chollas.
In my experience you have several years until you can truly ID it, adult characteristics dont really start showing so soon, also there is a VERY good chance that the seeds contained in those pack includes many types of cactus not list, all the names they listed are quite generic...

Post #8815907
Quote
WonderWeasel Kansas City, KS(Zone 5a) Oct 03, 2011

Thanks for everyone's help!

Post #8835245
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP