Velvety tree pear
Opuntia 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
Tree pear, Velvet opuntia, Velvet tree pear, Velvety tree pear, Woolly joint prickly pear.
This tree-like plant forms a central woody trunk over 40 cm wide and grows up to 5 m high.
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.
