Opuntia basilarisis a highlyvariablespecieswith several names described under different social status . However , only fourvarietiesare more often than not accept .

Opuntia basilarisEngelm . & Bigelow

Beavertail Cactus , Beavertail Prickly Pear

Buds and flowers of Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Cactus)

In habitat, Henderson, Nevada, United States. Derivative of a photo byLonny Holmes. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Opuntia basilarisvar.basilaris

kinsfolk : CactaceaeSubfamily : OpuntioideaeTribe : OpuntieaeGenus : Opuntia

The specific name " basilaris(pronounced bas - il - LAIR - iss ) " mean " basilar , basal , of or settle at a base of something " and relate to the new stem section of this species that maturate mainly from the base of Old one .

Close-up of a flower bud of Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Cactus)

In habitat, Imperial County, California, United States. Derivative of a photo byMicah Freedman. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

Opuntia basilarisis native to the southwesternUnited States(California , Nevada , Arizona ) and northwestMexico(Baja California and Sonora ) . It occurs in the Sonoran and the Mojave Desert at lift below 3,000 feet ( 915 m ) .

Opuntia basilarisis ashrubbycactus with straggle toascendingor erect stems that consist of flatten , nearly smooth segmented joints known as pads . It can develop up to 16 inches ( 40 atomic number 96 ) improbable and typically branches from the base . The diggings alter in color from naughty - unripe to yellow - special K , sometimes with a maroon - purple tint . They are loggerheaded , fleshy , and can be spatula - shaped to inverselyovoidor virtually circular , quantify up to 14 inches ( 35 atomic number 96 ) in duration and 6.4 inches ( 16 cm ) in width . Theareolesof the tablet bear numerousglochidsand no spines . The glochidium range in colouring from lily-livered to red - brown or glowering brown .

During spring and early summer , Opuntia basilarisproduces striking flowers with pink to magentatepals , red - magentafilaments , and yellowishanthers . The flowers appear on the upper terminal margin of pads and can reach up to 2.4 inches ( 6 atomic number 96 ) in distance and 2 inches ( 5 cm ) in diameter . The fruits are edible , globular to reciprocally elliptic , tan in colour , and dry at maturity date . They contain yellowish to tan seed and can grow about 1.6 inch ( 4 curium ) in diam .

Flower buds of Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Cactus)

In habitat, Borrego Springs, California, United States. Derivative of a photo byFred Melgert & Carla Hoegen. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

igniter : genus Opuntia basilaristhrives in full sun , but some shade during noontide and afternoon can prevent suntan in hot climates . When develop indoors , it works best in a windowpane that receives sunlight for 6 minute a solar day .

Soil : This cactus demand a well - draining soil mix . you may use a commercial cactus potting mixture orcreate your own .

Temperature : Opuntia basilarisis highly patient of of high temperaturesandprefers cooler temperatures in winter . It raise best inUSDA Plant Hardiness Zones8a to 10b , with average minimum wintertime temperature stray from 10 to 40 ° F ( -12.2 to 4.4 ° speed of light ) .

Flowers of Opuntia basilaris (Beavertail Cactus)

In habitat, Borrego Springs, California, United States. Derivative of a photo byDon Rideout. Licensed underCC BY-NC 4.0.

tearing : From spring to accrue , water middling and let the dirt dry out all before watering again . In most areas , rainfall will be enough for constituted plant life . If potted , never let the container sit in piss . Suspend tearing during the   wintertime .

Fertilizing : Opuntia basilarisdoes not require fertiliser when planted in the ground . However , it will gain from fertilizing during the growing season when grown in a container . Apply a water - soluble fertilizer . Suspend feeding during the winter when the plant goes abeyant .

Repotting : Repot only when the cactus becomes potbound or is too large and unstable in its container . opt a slightly big container with drain holes at the bottom . The best time for repotting is late winter or former spring .

Propagation : Opuntia basilariscan be circularize using either base segments or seeds . The easiest method is to use stem segments , which provide agile results . For skillful result , take bow segment in early summer and sow the come in late spring .

teach more atHow to arise and Care for Opuntia .

Opuntia basilarisis not toxic to man or pets . However , keep the plant away from pets and tyke as it has harmful spines and glochidium that may cause tegument irritation .

select a photograph to see a great version .

Did you find this helpful ? Share it with other succulent lover !