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Tucson pricklypear
Scientific Name: Cylindropuntia ×tetracantha
Family: Cactaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Opuntia engelmannii: The Engelmann's Prickly Pear
Opuntia engelmannii, commonly known as Engelmann's Prickly Pear, is a cactus species deeply intertwined with the culture and ecology of the Sonoran Desert, particularly around Tucson, Arizona.
Considerations for Pets
- As a cactus, Opuntia engelmannii has thorns, which could pose a physical hazard to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The presence of thorns on this cactus could present a risk of injury to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Opuntia engelmannii
- Common Name: Engelmann's Prickly Pear
- A related species, Opuntia ficus-indica, is also mentioned.
Synonyms or Alternative Scientific Names
- Cylindropuntia tetracantha (Toumey) F.M. Knuth (pro sp.) acanthocarpa leptocaulis
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the Sonoran Desert.
- Common within a 50-mile radius of Tucson, Arizona, particularly to the south.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Prickly pear cacti are recognizable for their pear-shaped, ruby-red fruit.
- They are commonly grown as ornamentals in yards around Tucson.
Ecological Role
- A nine-acre desert park in Tucson highlights opuntias.
Quirky Facts
- The Prickly Pear Festival, a celebration of all things prickly pear, is held in Tucson during the summer.
- Prickly pear is considered "the flavor of the Sonoran Desert."
- Prickly pear fruit is harvested and used in a wide range of culinary applications, from candies and jellies to margaritas and beer.