Prickly pear
Opuntia spp. other than O. aurantiaca, O. elata, O. ficus-indica, O. microdasys, O. monacantha, O. stricta, O. streptacantha and O. tomentosa
family
Cactaceae
origin
Exotic
declaration
Category 3 Restricted Matter (Biosecurity Act 2014)
Must not be distributed or disposed. This means it must not be released into the environment unless the distribution or disposal is authorised in a regulation or under a permit.
Common names
Common pest pear, Spiny pest pear, Tiger pear, Drooping tree pear, Velvety tree pear, Westwood pear.
There are almost 300 species of the genus Opuntia (Scheinvar, 1995). Opuntioid cacti vary significantly in their form and habit, ranging from low-growing shrubs under 50 cm to erect trees up to 8 m tall. Plants are normally leafless succulent shrubs. Stems are divided into segments (pads or joints) that are flat and often incorrectly called leaves.
Impact
Impact
Dense infestations compete with native vegetation, limiting the growth of small shrubs and groundcover species. The plant€™s sharp spines or barbs can cause injury to stock and native animals and contaminate wool and hides, reducing or preventing grazing activities and productivity. Large stands of cacti provide harbour for pest animals, such as foxes and rabbits and, due to their spiny nature, can limit access for stock mustering and recreational activities. The spines are capable of causing serious injury to animals and humans.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Dense infestations compete with native vegetation, limiting the growth of small shrubs and groundcover species. The plant€™s sharp spines or barbs can cause injury to stock and native animals and contaminate wool and hides, reducing or preventing grazing activities and productivity. Large stands of cacti provide harbour for pest animals, such as foxes and rabbits and, due to their spiny nature, can limit access for stock mustering and recreational activities. The spines are capable of causing serious injury to animals and humans.
