Cane Cactus
Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica
NEMBA: Category 1a
English: Cane Cactus, Coral Cactus
An invasive, branched cactus shrub with distinctive green, spine-covered pad-like stems and small scarlet flowers, the cane cactus poses a significant threat to semi-arid grasslands, shrub-lands, and open woodlands.
Its green-yellow fruits contain numerous hard-coated seeds, enabling rapid and aggressive spread that disrupts native ecosystems and out-competes indigenous vegetation.
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Origins: South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)
Overall Appearance:
Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica is a shrubby cactus with cylindrical, jointed stems that grow erect or sprawling. It can form dense thickets and reach heights of up to 1.5 meters.
Leaves:
Leaves are reduced to small, spine-like structures.
Flowers:
Flowers are showy, typically pink or red, and cup-shaped. They are produced in spring and summer.
Fruits:
Fruits are small, green to yellow, and egg-shaped. They contain numerous small seeds.
Seeds:
Seeds are small and hard, and can be dispersed by animals.
Soil Type:
Tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including dry, rocky, and sandy soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun.
Edibility:
Not typically consumed.
Toxicity:
The plant is armed with numerous sharp spines that can cause injury to humans and animals.
Problem Provinces:
Widespread throughout South Africa, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Note:
Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica is a serious invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impact livestock production. The sharp spines can injure livestock and impede farming activities. Control measures are often necessary to manage infestations.
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Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Cactaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Caryophyllales