Opuntia guatemalensis | |
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Scientific classification
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Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Order: | Caryophyllales |
Family: | Cactaceae |
Genus: | Opuntia |
Species: | O. guatemalensis
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Binomial name | |
Opuntia guatemalensis Britton ex. Rose
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Opuntia guatemalensis, commonly known as the Guatemalan prickly pear, is a species of prickly pear cactus in the family Cactaceae. [1] It was described by Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose, who had written multiple journals about the family, Cactaceae throughout 1919–1923, in which the genus Opuntia was included. [2]
Opuntia guatemalensis is a low growing, spreading prickly pear, with pads that are 10–20 cm (4-8 inches) long. Areoles are light brown, or slightly tan, and raised. Spines are white-gray, being darker at the tip, and are present over 2/3 to 3/4 of an average pad. Large spines are partially perpendicular to the pad. Flower blooms are a light yellow to potentially a darker red. [1]
Opuntia guatemalensis can be found in tropical, dry-temperate forests throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with generally scattered individuals. [1]
Opuntia guatemalensis is listed as " Least Concern" by the IUCN Red List, for there is no severe threats to its range. Forest fires may be a common threat though. [3]
Opuntia guatemalensis most likely is used as a part of local cuisine in its vast natural range, although this may differ.[ citation needed]