Opuntia cochenillifera is a species of cactus in the subfamily Opuntioideae. It may have been endemic to Mexico, but has been widely introduced.[1] The first description was in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus as Cactus cochenillifer. Philip Miller renamed it as Opuntia cochenillifera in 1768.

Ecology

Unlike most Opuntia species, O. cochenillifera is pollinated by hummingbirds.[2][3]

Flower

References

  1. ^ a b Arreola, H.; Ishiki, M.; Terrazas, T. (2017) [amended version of 2013 assessment]. "Nopalea cochenillifera". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T152027A121518289. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T152027A121518289.en. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  2. ^ J.A. Reyes-Agüero, J.R. Aguirre R., A. Valiente-Banuet (2006) Reproductive biology of Opuntia: A review. Journal of Arid Environments 64(4):549-585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2005.06.018
  3. ^ Flora of the Southeastern United States

External links