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Opuntia fragilis
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| Photo Information |
Copyright: Natalka Melnycky (nat)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 12 W: 0 N: 24]](//i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-s.gif) (82) |
| Genre: Plants |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2009-07-07 |
| Categories: Cacti |
| Exposure: f/4.9, 1/640 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Map: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2010-04-08 12:15 |
| Viewed: 3705 |
| Points: 4 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Opuntia fragilis is a spiny cactus, which flowers in late June - early July. Flowers measured to 5 cm diameter, are yellow and waxy. Pads are elliptical to spatulate in shape, measured to 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. Pads are brittle and break apart easily at the nodes. Opuntia fragilis is one of the most cold tolerant cacti, its range extending into southern Canada.
The Opuntia genus (also known as the prickly pear cacti) has been used in a wide array of medicinal and cultural purposes. Some of its species are used in culinary creations, although the small spines of the outer skin must be carefully removed to avoid being lodged in the consumers skin. The indian fig opuntia, has been rumoured to cure hangovers, while the stems of other species have been used to treat type II diabetes.
While doing field work near Eston, Saskatchewan I managed to stumble over these cacti quite often. They really added some colour to the otherwise strictly brown/blue landscape. |
horias, jtkerb has marked this note useful
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