Click on images to enlarge
infestation (photo: Sheldon Navie)
habit (photo: Sheldon Navie)
habit (photo: Sheldon Navie)
habit (photo: Sheldon Navie)
close-up of stems (photo: Sheldon Navie)
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
Fact sheets are available from Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) service centres and our Customer Service Centre (telephone 13 25 23). Check our website at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au to ensure you have the latest version of this fact sheet. The control methods referred to in this fact sheet should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation, and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the use of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, DEEDI does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it.
Copyright © 2016. All rights reserved. Identic Pty Ltd. Special edition of Environmental Weeds of Australia for Biosecurity Queensland.
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