Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

Opuntia monacantha

CACTACEAE

drooping prickly pear

Invasive, Potential problem species

Origin: South America (Brazil to Northern Argentina)

Growth Form: Tree/shrub

Plant Description: Plant: Succulent shrub or tree up to 5 m high, often with a definite trunk, usually with a large, much-branched top and drooping upper segments; cladodes flattened, usually thin, appearing wilted, bright green and shiny at least when young; longer (100–300 mm) than broad (50–100 mm); spines 1–2(–3) per group (on the trunks up to 12), 30–70 mm long. Leaves: Minute, early deciduous. Flowers: Yellow, outer petals with red markings; 70–90 mm long; October–April. Fruit: Reddish-purple, obovoid, about 60 mm long; long persistent, sometimes proliferous.

Key Features:

Control:

Comments: Suspected/Possible

More information:
Weeds & Invasive Plants Home Page