Opuntia polyacantha

Species category

Weed

Common name

plains prickly pear

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Discoid

Size

  • Length 3.5–5 mm
  • Width 3.5–5 mm
  • Thickness 0.9–1 mm

Color

Light brown

Texture

Finely granularGranular:
Resembling or consisting of small grains or particles.

Other structures

Circular groove near margin

Identification notes

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
marks termination of marginal groove.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Cactaceae

Valid name

Opuntia polyacantha Haw.

Synonyms

 Opuntia polyacantha.  True seeds with a circular groove near the margin.
Opuntia polyacantha. True seeds with a circular groove near the margin.