Opuntia robusta – Silver Dollar Prickly Pear

Opuntia robusta (Silver Dollar Prickly Pear) is a large, often erect, succulent shrub or small tree with huge, silvery-blue, round, fleshy pads, up to 20 in. wide (50 cm). Thick and heavy, a single pad can weigh up to 4 pounds (2 kg)! The pads may be without spines or with white spines, about 1-2 in. long (2-5 cm). Sitting on the outer edges of the pads, large saucer-shaped, bright yellow flowers appear in spring. They are followed by a profusion of round and large, edible, deep red fruits that are best for animal feeding.


  • Scientific Name: Opuntia robusta H. L. Wendl. ex Pfeiff.
  • Common Names: Wheel Cactus, Giant Prickly Pear Cactus, Wheel Pear, Silver Dollar, Silver Dollar Cactus, Silver Dollar Prickly Pear, Dinner Plate Cactus, Sweet Purple Cactus
  • Synonyms: Opuntia camuessa, Opuntia gorda, Opuntia guerrana, Opuntia larreyi
  • Family: Cactaceae
  • Subfamily: Opuntioideae
  • Tribe: Opuntieae
  • Species:O. robusta
  • Genus: Opuntia

source pic: Amazon.com


How to Grow and Care

 Though the large variety of species within the Opuntia genus means different types of prickly pears may need slightly different care, all are desert cacti that need lots of sun, lots of light, and very little water. If you live in a hot, arid area – particularly the American Southwest – these plants can generally be planted outside, left alone, and enjoyed. Though Opuntia will grow just fine in a garden, they can be grown in pots as well.

Tuck them an inch deep on the ground or in containers. The rooting takes place in a short time, usually in a month. Save the rooting pad from the afternoon sun and water it when the top one inch of soil seems dry.Growing prickly pear cactus in a sunny location allows the plant to thrive and fruit. Prickly pear cactus is a tropical or subtropical plant, so it loves the warm exposure...– See more at:HOW TO GROW AND CARE OPUNTIA


Origin:
The plant is native and endemic to Mexico  

 Hardiness:
hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

Links: Back to genus OPUNTIA
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