Opuntia robusta
Common name
Robust cactus
Family
Cactaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Collected from the wild at the top of an old quarry pit in the Port Hills, and from a paddock at Fordell near Whanganui.
Flower colours
Yellow
Etymology
robusta: Sturdy
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
Life Cycle Comments
Long-lived perennial shrub
Reproduction
Probably vegetative from discarded paddles. Fruits are formed but it is not clear if viable seed is produced.
Seed
Seed may be produced.
Dispersal
Both wild occurrences probably arose from dumping of garden waste.
Tolerances
Very drought tolerant. The Port Hills occurrence is in a place which would get snow and severe frosts at times.