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Prickly Pear
Botanical name: Cylindropuntia sp & Opuntia spp. exc. O.ficus indica
Noxious Weed Category: Class 4
Prickly Pear Management Plan
Source: CoastCare - Attack of the Killer Weeds
Description
Originating in America, Prickly Pears are a shallow rooted perennial forming large clumps. Leaves rarely seen.
- stricta: Low growing cactus up to 1.5 metres tall made up of flattened segments or pads 10 - 30 cm long and 7 - 20 cm across. Areoles have a cluster of small brown hairs and up to 11 spines 10 - 50 mm long.
- aurantiaca: Low, almost prostrate unless supported by other plants. Green/red and flattened segments 2 - 4 cm in diameter and 4 - 10 cm long. Areoles have small white hairs and 4 spines.
Yellow, flowering in spring. Green fruit, ripening to red, up to 50mm long in summer. Seeds survive for up to 20 years.
Dispersal
Animals, water, birds.
Control Requirements
For details see the Prickly Pear Management Plan.
Control
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.