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 | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Opuntia |
| Species: | O. guatemalensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Opuntia guatemalensis Britton ex. Rose
| |
Description
editOpuntia 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]
Distribution and habitat
editOpuntia guatemalensis can be found in tropical, dry-temperate forests throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with generally scattered individuals.[1]
Conservation
editOpuntia 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]
Uses
editOpuntia guatemalensis most likely is used as a part of local cuisine in its vast natural range, although this may differ.[citation needed]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Opuntia guatemalensis – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
- ^ "The Cactaceae, Britton and Rose – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
- ^ "Opuntia guatemalensis". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-04-07.