Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Habitat Habit Distinguishing Features Stems and Leaves Flowers and Fruit Environmental Impact Legislation Management Similar Species

Scientific Name

Opuntia microdasys (Lehm.) Pfeiff.

Synonyms

Opuntia rufida Engelm. is sometimes considered to be a synonym.

Family

Cactaceae

Common Names

bunny ear cactus, angel's wings, golden bristle cactus

Origin

Northern and central America (south-central USA and Mexico)

Habitat

Open habitats in arid and semi-arid rangeland, also in cultivated situations.

Habit

Bunny ears forms dense shrubs 40-60 cm tall, occasionally more.

Distinguishing Features

• dense shrub to 60 cm
• yellow or white bristles
• no spines
• pads grow in pairs like rabbit ears
• flowers yellow
• Red-purple fruits

Stems and Leaves

The shrubs have no central stem but are composed of pad-like stems that grow out in pairs giving the appearance of bunny ears. The pads are green to pale green and velvety, round to oblong, 6-15 cm long and 4-12 cm broad. The pads have dense clusters of yellow or white glochids (hair-like prickles) 2-3 mm long but no spines.

Flowers and Fruit

Flowers are yellow and 3 cm wide. Fruits are fleshy, globular, 3 cm long and red-purple.

Environmental Impact

It has the potential to form extensive dense stands much like prickly pear cactus and could reduce agricultural productivity over large areas of arid and semi-arid grazing land

Legislation

A class 1 declared pest in Queensland.

Management

Landholders should report the presence of this plant to State government authorities.

Similar Species

Opuntia rufida