Opuntia Species, Elephant Ear Prickly Pear, Tuna Prickly Pear

Opuntiatuna

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species
tuna (TOO-nuh)
Synonym
Cactus bonplandii
Cactus horridus
Cactus humilis
Cactus tuna
Opuntia bonplandii
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 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
Pale Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
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
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
1
neutral
0
negative
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Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | neutral

Pads are about 3 inches long, flowers are pale yellow with a red tinge.

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