Nopalea
From M&J Cactus Wiki
| Nopalea | |
|---|---|
| File:Nopalea cochenillifera.jpg | |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Opuntioideae |
| Tribe | Opuntieae |
| SubTribe | |
| Genus | Nopalea |
| Species | |
| Notes | Taxonomy follows Joël Lodé (2015). Often merged with Opuntia, but distinguished by its bird-pollinated flowers. |
Etymology
The name comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word nohpalli, which was the common name for Opuntia-like cacti.
Description
Nopalea consists of shrubby or tree-like cacti with flattened segments (cladodes), similar to Opuntia.
- Flowers: The most important feature. They are tubular and remain nearly closed. The stamens and style are long and protrude significantly beyond the petals.
- Spines: Variable, some species are nearly spineless (like N. cochenillifera).
- Use: Historically used for the cultivation of cochineal insects (for red dye).
Distribution
- Mexico and Central America: From Mexico down to Panama.
Species List
Following the classification of Joël Lodé (2015):
