Opuntia macrocentra-
The purple prickly pear or Black spine Opuntia
Supplied as a rooted pad various pot sizes

Opuntia macrocentra is an upright spreading shrub, usually growing from 30–60 cm tall. Individuals occasionally reach 1 metre in height. The stem and pads are a glaucous blue-gray- green, becoming purplish in colour. The purple pad colour is the most intense at the edges of the pad or around the areoles. The purple is more evident as the plant is stressed by drought or cold. The spines on the top edges of the pad can become very long and are an ebony black.
Flowers, like many in the genus, are golden yellow with flushes of orange in the centre.
Easy to grow in loose free draining compost in a pot or in the ground but must have very dry soil conditions to survive winter frosts.
A most desirable cactus and rarely available here in the UK.
 
SAFTEY NOTICE:
Opuntia (prickly pear) cacti possess two types of irritating spines: large, rigid spines and tiny, hair-like barbed bristles known as glochids. Found in clusters on areoles, these deciduous microspines easily detach, causing skin irritation, itching, and burning. Effective removal methods include using tweezers and /or adhesive tape. So, don't touch the cactus. You have been warned!

Full Sun
Well drained soil
RHS hardiness rating H3/H4

The plants on offer are similar to those seen in the pictures. Picture one shows a mature specimen in flower as an example of what to expect and is not the plant for sale.
Please note that these rooted pads may have additional pads growing and /or some winter markings on the pads. These plants are hard grown in our poly tunnels without additional heat.

SUK: OPMA0571
 
UK PLANT PASSPORT:
A: Opuntia
B: 121396
C: N/a
D: GB

Blue Nurseries Ltd is authorised to issue UK plant passports by DEFRA.