Opuntia lindheimeri

Opuntia lindheimeri is a species of cactus native to North America. It is native to Mexico and the United States, where its populations are primarily in Texas.[1]

Opuntia lindheimeri
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Opuntia
Species:
O. lindheimeri
Binomial name
Opuntia lindheimeri

Widespread taxonomic confusion has prevented a clear understanding of the true range of this species, resulting in significant publication discrepancies regarding both its western and eastern boundaries. According to Opuntia Web group, this species is typically found in more mesic habitats with deeper soils.[1]

Taxonomy

The question of whether Opuntia lindheimeri should be treated as a full species or as a segregate of the closely related Opuntia engelmannii remains unsettled in the scientific community.[1] Some treatments such as the early 20th century landmark monograph The Cactaceae consider is a segregated species, while others such as the Flora of North America confer it only variety status.[2]

O. lindheimeri was first described as a species in 1850 by George Engelmann.[3]

  • Detail of flower

References
  1. Opuntia lindheimeri Opuntia Web
  2. Opuntia engelmanii var. lindheimeri Flora of North America
  3. "Boston Journal of Natural History 6: 209, 1850" (PDF). Opuntia Web.


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