bencourtice
Is'nit pretty? But terrifying. Those spines have barbs. pieces break off and stick into your boots, trousers, legs. They spread to cover everything, lurking in the grass.
#Cactus #Opuntia
Mar 23 at 6:51amWeb
Show threadCRM114Mar 23
@bencourtice The fruit would be edible as well. Looks like its been a good season for it - a simulated N mexico wet season ?
(To make life difficult for you) Do yo know the species/genus ? Is this elongated branched species common ?
Show threadCRM114Mar 23
@bencourtice From photographic evidence perhaps Opuntia aurantiaca ? Little River (the town and watercourse )is reputedly the main area of infection.
Show threadbencourticeMar 23
@crn114 bingo. That was the locality
Show threadCRM114Mar 23
@bencourtice goodo. Whats the prize ?
Show threadbencourticeMar 23
@crn114 shall I mail you a cladode?
Show threadbencourticeMar 23
@crn114 I have no idea about the fruit, might be good but the horrendous spines render it a moot point. Best to douse it in herbicide and run. They are sterile though so I guess the fruit is seed-free? Might be an advantage over O. ficus-indica
Show threadCRM114Mar 23
@bencourtice My previous neighbors used to give me dozens every year. They had enormous decades old specimens of OFI in their backyard. This used to be a common sight 50 years ago in inner melb. as a southern mediterrean cultural practise. Perhaps we could register as primary producers with OA fruit ?
Show threadbencourticeMar 23
@crn114 lol. I'll grow it, you pick the fruit!