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Opuntia chlorotica var. Santa Rita
SANTA RITA PRICKLY PEAR
This large-bodied prickly pear cactus is best known for its deep purple colored flesh that intensifies with winter cold, or drought. Can grow to 4 1/2 feet tall and slowly up to 12 feet wide, but can be pruned occasionally to keep it in bounds. Pruning of thorny cactus such as this can be done safely by cutting with pruning saws and handling the "trimmings" with a pitch fork or spading fork. This eliminates having to ever touch the bristly pads, which have small spines or "glochids" that detach easily, and can be an irritation to the skin. This all sounds scary, but is only necessary infrequently if ever at all, and is well worth it for this striking specimen plant in the desert landscape. Springtime finds these beautiful purple pads covered with large, brilliant, delicate, bright yellow flowers that are subject of countless artistic renditions and paintings!
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