Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

Opuntia humifusa (Raf.) Raf.

CACTACEAE

creeping prickly pear

Invasive, Problem species

Origin: North America (Central and Eastern USA)

Growth Form: Shrub

Plant Description: Plant: Succulent, low, spreading shrublet up to 0.3 m high; cladodes prostrate or reclining and no more than two pads high, green to grey-green, flattened, round to obovate, up to 150 mm long; spines absent or with 1–2(–3) main spines, confined to the upper half of the cladode; areoles with dense glochids. Leaves: Small, pointed, up to 10 mm long, prominent on young cladodes, early deciduous. Flowers: Golden-yellow, usually with orange or red in the throat; showy, large, up to 100 mm long x 80 mm wide, receptacle (floral tube) up to 60 mm long and narrow, October–December. Fruit: Red or purple, succulent berries, narrow, elongated (to 60 mm), sweetish to taste.

Key Features:

Control:

Comments: Suspected/Possible

More information:
Weeds & Invasive Plants Home Page
NRCS Plants Database

Photo - flowers/stems