Small Round-leaved Prickly Pear
Opuntia engelmannii
NEMBA category
English: Small Round-leaved Prickly Pear
Afrikaans: Kleinronderblaarturksvy
Opuntia engelmannii, commonly known as Engelmann's prickly pear, is a cactus species characterised by its sprawling, shrub-like growth habit, with flattened, oval pads covered in clusters of sharp spines and glochids.
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it has become an alien invasive species in South Africa, where it thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, out-competing native vegetation. Its rapid spread is facilitated by its ability to reproduce both vegetatively, from broken pads, and through seeds dispersed by animals.
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Origins: North America (United States, Mexico)
Overall Appearance: A shrubby or tree-like cactus with flattened, jointed stems (cladodes) covered in spines reaching heights of 3-6 meters.
Width: Can spread widely to form dense thickets.
Leaves: Reduced to spines.
Flowers: Yellow flowers, often with reddish tips from spring to summer.
Fruits: Spiny, pear-shaped fruits that are green when young and turn reddish-purple when ripe.
Seeds: Numerous, small seeds within the fruit.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including dry and rocky soils.
Aspect: Full sun.
Edible Parts: Fruits are edible, but caution is needed to remove the spines.
Birds Attracted: Some birds may consume the fruits.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Note: Engelmann's Prickly Pear is a highly invasive cactus in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and impede animal movement. It is a significant problem in rangelands and can cause significant damage to livestock.
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