Jointed Cactus
Opuntia aurantiaca
NEMBA category
English: Jointed Cactus, Jointed Prickly Pear, Tiger Pear
Afrikaans: Litjieskaktus
This sprawling, spiny cactus grows up to 1.5 meters tall with bright green, leaf-like stems. It spreads aggressively across arid landscapes. Vibrant yellow flowers are produced from November to January and reddish succulent fruits that aid its rapid reproduction. Its underground tubers and adaptable structure make it a particularly successful and problematic invader.
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Origins:
South America (eastern Argentina and southern Uruguay)
Overall Appearance:
Opuntia aurantiaca, commonly known as Jointed Prickly Pear, is a spiny, many-branched, spreading succulent up to 1.5 meters high with underground tubers.
Leaves:
No true leaves. Flattened, leaf-like stems are bright green, sometimes tinged with reddish-purple, and covered in sharp, needle-like thorns.
Flowers:
Bright yellow flowers appear from November to January.
Fruits:
Reddish succulent fruit.
Bark:
The "bark" consists of the outer layer of the flattened stems, which is tough and leathery.
Wood:
No true wood. The stems are succulent and fleshy.
Soil Type:
Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Edibility:
While some Opuntia species are edible, the fruits of Opuntia aurantiaca are not typically consumed due to their small size and spiny nature.
Toxicity:
The spines and glochids (tiny, barbed hairs) can cause injury to humans and animals.
Uses:
Historically, some Opuntia species have been used for food, medicine, and fodder. However, Opuntia aurantiaca is primarily a problem species in South Africa.
Birds Attracted:
Some bird species may consume the fruits, although this is not a significant food source for most birds.
Insects Attracted:
Certain insects may feed on the plant or use it for shelter.
Mammals Attracted:
The plant is not a significant food source for most mammals due to its spines.
Note:
Opuntia aurantiaca is a serious invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impact agricultural land.
Control:
In September 2019, researchers from the Centre for Biological Control introduced Dactylopius austrinus, a specialized cochineal insect, to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi as a biological control agent for jointed cactus. The release has proven remarkably successful, with the insect effectively killing plants near its initial release site and expanding its impact to surrounding areas.
This strategic intervention is expected to maintain the jointed cactus population at critically low levels, thereby protecting the local ecosystem's biodiversity through a targeted and environmentally friendly approach.
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Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Succulent
Plant family:
Cactaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Caryophyllales