Marblefruit Pricklypear

Description

Found only in the trans-Pecos region of far west Texas, in the Chihuahuan Desert, opuntia strigil has a distinctive appearance, with thick, green, nearly circular pads and a regular array of downwards-pointing, reddish-yellow spines (usually 5 to 8 per areole); shorter radials and 1 or 2 longer centrals, up to 1.5 inches. The yellow glochids are also prominent, especially along the pad edges. The plant forms sturdy, compact clusters, growing as much upwards as sideways, about 3 feet across. Small, spherical, purple fruits follow the yellow flowers, which bloom in spring and early summer.