About
Known commonly as angel's-wings or bunny ears cactus, *Opuntia microdasys* is a popular ornamental plant, particularly valued for its comical resemblance to a rabbit's head when young. It is notable for its dense growth and unique, irritating white or yellow glochids instead of spines.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant forms a dense shrub, typically 40–60 cm tall, composed of pad-like stems that are 6–15 cm long and 4–12 cm broad. Instead of spines, it possesses numerous white or yellow glochids, which are 2–3 mm long, barbed, and thinner than human hairs.
Distribution & habitat
Native and endemic to central and northern Mexico, it has also naturalized in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania.
History & etymology
The specific epithet microdasys means "small and hairy".
Conservation
Assessed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List.
Habitat
- Altitude
- Not recorded
- Altitude class
- —
- Native to
- Texas, Tanzania, Mexico
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy