Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
arumbeva
Family Name:
Cactaceae
Botanical Name:
Opuntia elata
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Opuntia elata, or the tall prickly pear cactus, is a great and grand succulent that is capable of growing around 6 meters. It has flat beaver tailed green pads that are covered in spines with hooked barbs. The pads average 60cm in length and 30 cm in width. The spines along the pads are a form of evolved leaves that are used as a defense against animals that consume it and the over exposure of sunlight. O. elata produce big yellow flowers that bloom during summer and autumn. The flowers had distinctive shapes with an array of petals in a circular formation. These flowers eventually produce small, club shaped, edible fruit.
Compound:
Geographic Origin:
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Opuntia comes from a city called opus in Greece, while elata derives its name from the latin “tall”. It is native to South America, growing most in the Andean regions of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina at elevations from 0-500 meters (1500 ft) above sea level (1, 4). It prefers dry climates and tolerates rocky areas and hillsides thriving in environments of forests and savannas that provide well aerated, sandy soil. (1, 4) This species has also been introduced and cultivated in other parts of the world, including North America, as an ornamental plant (4). Outside its natural range, there does not appear to be much risk of it becoming invasive as it does not spread readily (4).
Cultivation Notes:
Opuntia elata, or the tall prickly pear cactus is both easy to cultivate, and care for. The soil is preferred to be well drained and bountiful in organic materials. A combination of sand, perlite and perlite moss is great for encouraging growth and distributing resourced within the pot. Full sun exposure is ideal, with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant is drought-tolerant and required minimal watering during months it isn’t actively growing. During the summer, it is best to water this plant every two weeks. The temperature range for this plant varies between 5 C to 40 C. Mild frost is tolerated, but needs protection when temperatures are freezing. The propagation of this plant can be done via stem cuttings or seeds. Cuttings are best harvested during the spring or summer, being left to dry many days before planting. The seeds can be fostered during the spring time. Though resistant to most diseases and pests, Opuntia elata may contract mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot. Regularly checking on your plant as well as the use of insecticidal soap can help remove those possibilities. (4)
Ethnobotany:
Opuntia elata is commonly harvested for edible fruit. These fruits are used to make excellent jams, jellies, and many other things. The pads of this plant can also be used for consumption when the spines are removed, typically known for being a traditional food in South America. The wood from this plant is also used for making furniture and many other things. (4) Ecologically, this plant provides shelter and food for many animals and helps with erosion control. (4)
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
ForeSummer
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Green
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
Reference Sources: - The Audubon Society Nature Guide: Deserts
- Gardenia.net
- Cylindropuntia bigelovii, Teddy Bear Cholla.html
- Castetter, Edward F. and Ruth M. Underhill 1935 Ethnobiological Studies in the American Southwest II. The Ethnobiology of the Papago Indians. University of New Mexico Bulletin 4(3):1-84 (p. 46).
- Ethnoherbalist. Retrieved Oct. 15, 2024.
- National Park Service Museum Management Program, Discovering The desert / diverse landscapes, Retrieved October 15 2024
