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Description
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is a cactus species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is also known as the Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear or Engelmann’s Prickly Pear. This plant is highly valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties. It is native to North America and can be found in the southwestern parts of the United States and northern parts of Mexico.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Opuntia |
Appearance
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is a medium-sized cactus that can grow up to 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It has flat, oval-shaped pads that are covered in sharp spines. The pads are green in color and can turn reddish-purple in full sun. The flowers of this plant are yellow and bloom in the spring and summer. The fruit is edible and is a reddish-purple color when ripe.
Care Guide
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: This plant is drought-tolerant and only needs to be watered once a month during the growing season. During the winter, it can go without water for up to 2 months.- Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a cactus fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil. You can use a cactus potting mix or a mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss.- Sunlight: This plant thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is hardy in USDA zones 8a-11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This plant is also prone to root rot if overwatered. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and allow it to dry out between waterings.
Habitat
Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis is native to the southwestern parts of the United States and northern parts of Mexico. It can be found in rocky or sandy areas and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, this plant is easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.
Q: Can Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight.
Q: Can the fruit of Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible and is often used to make jelly or syrup.
Q: How often should Opuntia Engelmannii Var. Linguiformis be fertilized?
A: This plant only needs to be fertilized once a year in the spring.
Related Plants
– Opuntia Ficus-Indica- Opuntia Microdasys- Opuntia Santa-Rita
References
– “Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis.” Arizona State University. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailCactus.php?genus=Opuntia&species=engelmannii_var._linguiformis- “Cow’s Tongue Prickly Pear.” Mountain States Wholesale Nursery. https://mswn.com/plants/database/opuntia-engelmannii-var-linguiformis/- “Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis.” Plant Finder. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282828&isprofile=0&basic=opuntia%20linguiformis
