| Opuntia guatemalensis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Conservation status | |
 Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) | |
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 | |
Opuntia guatemalensis, commonly known as the Guatemalan prickly pear, is a species of prickly pear cactus in the family Cactaceae. 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.
Description
Opuntia 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.
Distribution and habitat
Opuntia guatemalensis can be found in tropical, dry-temperate forests throughout Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, with generally scattered individuals.
Conservation
Opuntia 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.
Uses
Opuntia guatemalensis most likely is used as a part of local cuisine in its vast natural range, although this may differ.
References
- ^ "Opuntia guatemalensis – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
- "The Cactaceae, Britton and Rose – OBLOG". Retrieved 2023-04-07.
- "Opuntia guatemalensis". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2023-04-07.
| Taxon identifiers | |
|---|---|
| Opuntia guatemalensis | |