Where am I?

Bunny ears prickly pear

Discover the survival tricks of this cactus.

11 Aug 2011

Like this
Tweet
Close Thanks for liking this page. Tell us why by adding a comment at the bottom.

Gallery Images

Bunny ears prickly pear cactus

Image: Anna Faherty

The bunny ears prickly pear cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is native to the southern Chihuahuan desert of Mexico.

Spines under the microscope

Image: Lucas C. Majure

Despite the cute appearance, don’t be tempted to touch it! Each tiny ‘glochid’ spine is covered in thousands o ...more

The cacti's natural habitat

Image: Amante Darmanin

In an environment where young seedlings struggle to survive intense sun, oppressive heat or lack of water, opu ...more

How opunitas reproduce

Image: Blossfeldiana

If one of their paddle-like stems, or cladodes, drops to the ground, a new, genetically-identical plant can gr ...more

How fruits grow into new cacti

Image: Professor Chris A. Martin

The bunny ears cactus also sheds unripe fruits, which may grow into clones of the parent plant. This ability t ...more

Be the first to comment

Add your comment
Your name: Close Your email:
Your comment Terms and Conditions

Keep up to date with events and news from Kew