Opuntia robusta
Common names
Robust cactus
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Flower colours
Yellow
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.
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Ecology
Reason for introduction
Ornamental
Tolerances
Very drought tolerant. The Port Hills occurrence is in a place which would get snow and severe frosts at times.
Life cycle and dispersal
Long-lived perennial shrub. Probably vegetative from discarded paddles. Fruits are formed but it is not clear if viable seed is produced. Seed may be produced. Both wild occurrences probably arose from dumping of garden waste.
Other information
Etymology
robusta: Sturdy