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| Opuntia picardoi |
Opuntia
Opuntia is a genus including a big amount of species, which vary in
size. From small plants of of 5 cm. high, to 30 m. giants. Opuntia
can be found from Canada to Chile and Argentina. The genus has divided
several times, but not everyone agrees about the best way to do it.
The name evokes the city of Opus, capital of Locrid, old region of
Greece.
All the Opuntia are characterized because they have tiny little spines
called glochids. In some species, they are very light and they can
fly in the air when the plant is moved. Wetting the plant before manipulating
it, can be a good method of prevention.
The Opuntia often has big and very colorful flowers. The fruit is
also big and generally edible.
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