Velvet Bur Cactus
Opuntia pubescens
NEMBA: Category 1a
English: Velvet Bur Cactus, Hairy Prickly Pear, Veined Prickly Pear
Opuntia pubescens, commonly known as the Hairy Prickly Pear, is a low-growing cactus species characterised by its small, cylindrical to flattened pads covered in dense, hair-like spines and glochids, giving it a fuzzy appearance.
Native to South America, it has been introduced to various regions, including South Africa, where it has become an alien invasive species. The plant thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, forming dense mats that out-compete native vegetation and reduce biodiversity. Its ability to spread through both seed dispersal and vegetative reproduction from detached pads contributes to its invasiveness.
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Origins: South America (Argentina, Bolivia, Peru)
Overall Appearance: A shrubby cactus with flattened, jointed stems (cladodes) covered in dense, white hairs. Can reach heights of 1-3 meters.
Leaves: Reduced to spines.
Flowers: Yellow flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Fruits: Spiny, pear-shaped, sterile fruits that are green when young and turn reddish-purple when ripe. They are small (about 2–2.5cm long) with a well-defined navel-like depression (umbilicus).
Seeds: Numerous, small seeds within the fruit, but they are sterile.
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.
Notes:
Velvet Bur Cactus cladodes have been observed spreading by attaching themselves to dassies in the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
The cladode surface is nearly smooth and mostly velvety or pubescent with numerous needle-like barbed spines 1–3 cm long. Detached cladodes easily attach themselves to passing animals which can carry them considerable distances.
Friendly alternatives:
Spekboom
Portulacaria afra
French Aloe
Aloe pluridens
Plant type:
Succulent
Plant family:
Cactaceae (Greek plant name) - Order: Caryophyllales