Contents
Description
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii is a cactus species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to southern Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico. This plant is also known as the Engelmann’s Prickly Pear or Cactus Apple.The Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii is a low-growing, spreading cactus that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and 3 meters in width. It has flat, segmented pads with spines and small tufts of short, bristly hairs. The flowers of this cactus are large and showy, ranging from yellow to orange in color. The fruit produced by this cactus is edible and can be used in the production of jams, jellies, and syrups.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
| Species | Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii |
Appearance
The Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii has flat, segmented pads that are green to blue-green in color. These pads are covered in spines and small tufts of short, bristly hairs. The spines can vary in length and color, ranging from yellow to brown. The flowers produced by this cactus are large and showy, ranging from yellow to orange in color. The fruit produced by this cactus is edible and can be green to reddish-purple in color.
Care Guide
To care for the Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones. Water: This cactus prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilization: Fertilize this cactus in the spring and summer months with a cactus-specific fertilizer. Follow the package instructions for proper application. Soil: This cactus prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A cactus-specific soil mix can be used. Sunlight: This cactus prefers full sun and should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Hardiness Zones: This cactus can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 9a-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Pests: This cactus can be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Diseases: This cactus is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or if planted in soil that does not provide adequate drainage.
Habitat
The Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii is native to southern Arizona, New Mexico, western Texas, and northern Mexico. It can be found growing in rocky or sandy soils in desert or semi-desert regions.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the fruits produced by the Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii edible?
A: Yes, the fruits produced by this cactus are edible and can be used in the production of jams, jellies, and syrups.
Q: What type of soil does this cactus prefer?
A: This cactus prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A cactus-specific soil mix can be used.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for this cactus?
A: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 9a-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).
Q: What pests are common for this cactus?
A: This cactus can be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
- Opuntia Aurea
- Opuntia Cymochila
- Opuntia Ficus-Indica
- Opuntia Imbricata
- Opuntia Microdasys
References
- “Opuntia Engelmannii.” World of Succulents, https://worldofsucculents.com/opuntia-engelmannii-engelmannii-cactus-apple/?cn-reloaded=1.
- “Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii.” Cactus Art Nursery, https://cactus-art.biz/schede/OPUNTIA/Opuntia_engelmannii_var_engelmannii/Opuntia_engelmannii_var_engelmannii/Opuntia_engelmannii_var_engelmannii.htm.
- “Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Engelmannii (Engelmann’s Prickly Pear).” Plant Lust, https://www.plantlust.com/plants/12542/opuntia-engelmannii-var-engelmannii/.
