Aaron’s Beard Prickly Pear

Opuntia leucotricha

NEMBA: Category 1b

English: Aaron’s Beard Prickly Pear. Aaron’s Beard Cactus, Semaphore Cactus, White-haired Opuntia

Opuntia leucotricha, commonly known as Aaron’s Beard Prickly Pear, is a tree-like cactus native to Mexico. It is easily recognisable by its large, flat, green pads covered in white spines and fine, white hairs.

This prickly pear species forms dense thickets that can out-compete native plants, reducing biodiversity and impacting local ecosystems.

Aaron’s Beard Prickly Pear (Opuntia leucotricha)
Image

Have you got a better picture?

If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)

Origins: Argentina

Overall Appearance: A tree-like cactus with a distinctive covering of white hairs, giving it a silvery appearance. It often forms dense thickets. Can grow up to 5 meters tall.

Leaves: These are modified structures called cladodes or pads, which are flattened and oval-shaped. These distinctive structures exhibit a blue-green coloration and have a slightly rounded form and is not velvety in texture.

Spines: The cladodes' surface is adorned with two types of protective coverings: prominent white spines arranged in a sub-spiral pattern, and fine, white hairs. These hairs form a delicate fuzz, particularly noticeable at the joints. Notably, the cladodes have sunken areoles (spine-bearing points) that are closely spaced across their surface.

Flowers: Bright yellow, 5-7 cm in diameter from spring to summer.

Fruits: Yellow, barrel-shaped, and covered in spines.

Seeds: Small, black, and numerous.

Bark: The older stems develop a woody bark.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy soils.

pH: Tolerates a wide range of pH levels.

Aspect: Full sun.

Edible Parts: The fruits are edible after careful removal of the spines. The pads can also be eaten after preparation to remove spines and toxins.

Poisonous Parts: The spines and glochids (tiny, barbed bristles) can cause irritation and injury. The plant also contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.

Uses: