Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. CACTACEAE sweet prickly pear Invasive, Problem species Origin: Central America (Mexico) Growth Form: Tree/shrub Plant Description: Plant: Succulent, branched shrub or tree 1.5–3.0(–5.0) m high, forming a sturdy trunk with age; cladodes flattened, grey to grey-green, much longer (300–600 mm) than broad (60–150 mm), varying from heavily spined to spineless. Leaves: Minute, early deciduous. Flowers: Bright yellow or orange, showy, October–December. Fruit: Yellowish turning reddish, succulent berries, ± 80 mm long, covered with clusters of minute spines. Key Features: Control: chemical control such as MSMA and glyphosate, biological control with cactoblastic and conchineal Comments: More information: Weeds & Invasive Plants Home Page NRCS Plants Database Photo - stems J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Photo - plant J.S. Peterson @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Photo - flowers Rob Mackenzie, Swaziland's Alien Plants Database Photo - plants Rob Mackenzie, Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

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