Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus, Ecuadorian Prickly Pear

Opuntiax aequatorialis

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Synonym
Opuntia aequatorialis
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
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Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | May 2005 | neutral

This plant is a naturally occurring hybrid between Opuntia pubescens & Opuntia soederstromiana

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | June 2004 | neutral

naturally occuring hybrid from Ecuador... not sure about hardiness or ultimate size, but obviously hardy down to high 20s (zone 9b). Lon...Read More

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