Field Identification Guide - Weeds Australia
Field Identification Guide - Weeds Australia
Field Identification Guide - Weeds Australia
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<strong>Field</strong><br />
<strong>Identification</strong><br />
<strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia,<br />
Cylindropuntia<br />
and Opuntia species
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Contents<br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Invasive cacti facts 02<br />
The problem 04<br />
The weed 06<br />
Weed identification 08<br />
Growth pattern in suitable conditions 10<br />
Species identification 11<br />
Key to symbols 11<br />
Glossary 11<br />
How they spread 52<br />
Where they grow 53<br />
What to do about them 53<br />
Spread prevention 53<br />
Chemical control 54<br />
Fire 56<br />
Grazing 57<br />
Mechanical control 58<br />
Biological control 58<br />
Legislation 60<br />
Weed control contacts 61<br />
Acknowledgements 62<br />
Key references 62<br />
Information and guide revision 63<br />
Species identification index<br />
Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica 12<br />
Cane cactus<br />
Austrocylindropuntia subulata 14<br />
Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata 16<br />
Coral cactus, boxing glove cactus<br />
Cylindropuntia imbricata 18<br />
Devil’s rope/rope pear<br />
Cylindropuntia kleiniae 20<br />
Cylindropuntia leptocaulis 22<br />
Pencil cactus<br />
Cylindropuntia prolifera 24<br />
Jumping cholla<br />
Cylindropuntia spinosior 26<br />
Cylindropuntia rosea 28<br />
Hudson pear (White-spined)<br />
Cylindropuntia tunicata 30<br />
Hudson pear (Brown-spined)<br />
Opuntia aurantiaca 32<br />
Tiger pear<br />
Opuntia elata 34<br />
Riverina pear<br />
Opuntia elatior 36<br />
Opuntia engelmannii 38<br />
Opuntia ficus-indica 40<br />
Indian fig<br />
Opuntia microdasys 42<br />
Bunny ears or Golden bristle cactus<br />
Opuntia monacantha 44<br />
Drooping tree pear<br />
Opuntia robusta 46<br />
Wheel cactus<br />
Opuntia stricta 48<br />
Common prickly pear<br />
Opuntia tomentosa 50<br />
Velvet pear<br />
ii 01
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Invasive cacti facts<br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
• Invasive cacti impact on <strong>Australia</strong><br />
environmentally, agriculturally and<br />
aesthetically, as well as posing a risk to<br />
animal welfare and human safety.<br />
• Invasive cacti are drought resistant<br />
and hardy, surviving in low rainfall<br />
environments.<br />
• They spread easily by seed (in some<br />
species only) and by stem segments<br />
(fragments) that root readily to form<br />
new plants.<br />
• Opuntioid cacti vary significantly in their form<br />
and habit, ranging from low-growing shrubs<br />
under 50 cm to erect trees up to 8m tall.<br />
• Species are found throughout most<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n states and territories and there is<br />
potential for further spread.<br />
• <strong>Australia</strong>n rangelands are especially<br />
vulnerable to cacti invasion.<br />
• The cost of control often exceeds the value of<br />
land infested.<br />
• All cacti are exotic to <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
ShAUna Potter<br />
Opuntia tomentosa<br />
02 03
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
The problem<br />
Three types (genera) of opuntioid<br />
cacti have naturalised in <strong>Australia</strong> and<br />
are now considered <strong>Weeds</strong> of National<br />
Significance: Austrocylindropuntia,<br />
Cylindropuntia and Opuntia.<br />
Dense infestations compete with native<br />
vegetation, limiting the growth of small shrubs and<br />
groundcover species. The plant’s sharp spines or<br />
barbs can cause injury to stock and native animals<br />
and contaminate wool and hides, reducing or<br />
preventing grazing activities and productivity.<br />
Large stands of cacti provide harbour for pest<br />
animals, such as foxes and rabbits and, due to their<br />
spiny nature, can limit access for stock mustering<br />
and recreational activities. The spines are capable of<br />
causing serious injury to animals and humans.<br />
Plant segments kept in sealed containers have been<br />
known to survive indoors for three years without<br />
soil or water, demonstrating their ability to persist<br />
even in severe conditions. Opuntioid cacti are very<br />
adaptable, growing in a range of soil types and areas<br />
that receive above 150 mm of rainfall annually.<br />
Opuntia robusta<br />
Henry Rutherford<br />
04 05
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
The weed<br />
Opuntioid cacti are a group of<br />
plants that belong to a sub-family<br />
of Cactaceae. Originally from the<br />
Americas, some species were<br />
introduced into <strong>Australia</strong> to support<br />
cochineal dye production, while<br />
others were planted as garden<br />
ornamentals or hedges.<br />
One of the most well-known opuntioid cacti is<br />
common prickly pear (O. stricta), which covered<br />
some 240 000 km 2 before the introduction of the<br />
Cactoblastis moth, a highly successful biological<br />
control agent, in 1926.<br />
There are around 30 species of opuntioid<br />
cacti that have naturalised in <strong>Australia</strong>, with<br />
infestations in all states and territories except the<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Capital Territory and Tasmania.<br />
Henry Rutherford<br />
Henry Rutherford<br />
Opuntia tomentosa<br />
Plants have jointed stem segments, also known as<br />
pads or cladodes. These segments, which can be<br />
flat or cylindrical, contain the green tissue of the<br />
plant where photosynthesis occurs.<br />
Leaves are small, and typically drop off when<br />
segments are young. Opuntioids often have large,<br />
colourful flowers that are white, yellow, orange,<br />
pink, red or purple. Most produce fleshy fruit which<br />
ripen red, purple or yellow. Some species produce<br />
viable seeds that are bird and animal dispersed.<br />
Varying in form and habit, opuntioid cacti range<br />
from low growing shrubs under 50 cm to erect trees<br />
eight metres tall. They are distinguished from other<br />
Cactaceae sub-families by the presence of glochids<br />
– small, detachable barbed bristles. Glochids grow<br />
from areoles, the small circular or elongated woolly<br />
cushion areas on the surface of segments. Areoles<br />
are also the points from which flowers, new shoots<br />
or spines can grow and are present on both cacti<br />
segments and fruit.<br />
06 07
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Weed identification<br />
The appearance of opuntioid cacti<br />
can vary significantly, from the more<br />
familiar tall, erect and flat segmented<br />
common prickly pear (O. stricta),<br />
through to small shrubs with narrow,<br />
flattened, rope-like segments such as<br />
Hudson pear (C. rosea; C. tunicata).<br />
O.stricta, Prickly pear<br />
C. tunicata, Hudson pear<br />
A. cylindrica<br />
Cane cactus<br />
C. prolifera<br />
Jumping cholla<br />
O. robusta<br />
Wheel cactus<br />
Austrocylindropuntia originate in<br />
South America and are shrubby with<br />
cylindrical to club-shaped segments.<br />
They differ from Cylindropuntia species<br />
in that their spines lack papery sheaths.<br />
Of the 11 species worldwide, two have<br />
naturalised in <strong>Australia</strong> – A. cylindrica<br />
and A. subulata. These species are<br />
popular in cultivation in other parts of<br />
the world.<br />
Cylindropuntia are native to south<br />
western USA, Mexico and the West<br />
Indies, have cylindrical segments<br />
and spines with papery sheaths that<br />
separate from the spine in their<br />
first year. Many species have easily<br />
detachable segments, such as C.<br />
prolifera, commonly known as jumping<br />
cholla due to its ability to seemingly<br />
‘jump’ onto passing animals, humans<br />
and vehicles.<br />
Opuntia extends from North America<br />
through central America, the West Indies<br />
and Galapagos Islands to Southern<br />
South America. They are branched<br />
shrubs, typically up to two metres high,<br />
though they can grow taller. They have<br />
flattened stem segments, commonly<br />
referred to as pads, which are usually<br />
round or ovalshaped. The most well<br />
known Opuntia species is common<br />
prickly pear, introduced to <strong>Australia</strong> in<br />
the 19th century.<br />
08 09
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Growth pattern in<br />
suitable conditions<br />
Opuntioid cacti are perennial plants that are<br />
generally long-lived. Flowering typically occurs<br />
from spring through to summer, with fruits<br />
forming in late summer and into autumn. Not<br />
all species develop mature fruit, but those that<br />
do can produce numerous seeds, with a hard<br />
seed coat enabling longevity. Seed can germinate<br />
year round depending on rain, though seedlings<br />
are not likely to survive if they are in exposed<br />
conditions. Seedlings can be difficult to detect<br />
when small.<br />
Opuntia streptacantha<br />
Species identification<br />
Use the following pages as a guide to<br />
help you identify opuntoid cactus.<br />
Key to symbols<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem segments<br />
Flowers Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
<br />
Glossary<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Areole – small circular or elongated woolly cushion<br />
area on the surface of segments.<br />
Glochids – small, detachable barbed bristles.<br />
Tubercle – a small raised area or nodule on a plant<br />
surface.<br />
Stem segment – distinct, individual part of the stem.<br />
Can be cylindrical (e.g. in Austrocylindropuntia<br />
& Cylindropuntia), or flattened (e.g. in Opuntia,<br />
commonly referred to as pads).<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Sheath – papery outer covering of the spine.<br />
Only present in Cylindropuntia species.<br />
10 11
Austrocylindropuntia<br />
cylindrica<br />
Cane cactus<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Erect, branching shrub 0.3-1.5m tall.<br />
Often forms patches several metres wide.<br />
Deciduous leaves to 1cm long.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Dark bluish-green, shiny. Rounded,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
15-50cm long, 3-4cm diameter.<br />
<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Red, cup shaped.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Egg Fruits to urn shaped, to 4.5cm Fruits long.<br />
Deep Fruits<br />
Fruitsgreen-yellow green.<br />
Fruits<br />
(Can<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
produce chains).<br />
Spines<br />
2-6 Spines Spines spines, approx 1cm Spines<br />
long. (Lack papery sheath).<br />
<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
12<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
13
Austrocylindropuntia<br />
subulata<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Branching shrub to 3m tall.<br />
Forms patches to 8m wide.<br />
Leaves to 12 cm long and these may<br />
persist for more than one season.<br />
Mid green. Slender, to 50cm<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
long, 4-5cm diameter.<br />
<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Pink.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Oblong, Fruits egg or club shaped<br />
to Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
10cm long. Green.<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
(Can produce chains).<br />
Spines<br />
1-4 Spines Spines spines, up to 7cm Spines long.<br />
(Lack papery sheath).<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
14<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
15
Cylindropuntia fulgida<br />
var. mamillata<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Coral cactus,<br />
boxing glove cactus<br />
Bob Chinnock Shauna Potter<br />
Erect shrub up to 0.4-0.8m tall.<br />
Deciduous leaves. Rarely flowers/fruits.<br />
Green-grey green. Often distorted,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
with a corrugated (tuberculate)<br />
<br />
surface, 10-22cm long, 2-4.5cm<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
diameter. Flowers Often numerous, Flowers easily<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
detached small segments.<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Deep red.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Inverse Fruits cone or oval shaped. Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Grey-green. Fruits Forms long chains. Fruits<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Usually sterile.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
4-15 Spines spines, 7-20cm long Spines (often<br />
shorter). Cream to brown (colour<br />
<br />
variable). (White to tan sheath).<br />
16<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
17
Cylindropuntia<br />
imbricata<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Devil’s rope/rope pear<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Branched shrub or small tree 1-3m tall.<br />
Often with short trunks. Deciduous leaves.<br />
Dull grey-green. 15-40cm long,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
3.5-5cm Stem Segments diameter. Large, widely<br />
<br />
spaced tubercles give a woven,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
rope Flowers like appearance. Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Dark pink, magenta.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fleshy, egg shaped, to 4cm long.<br />
Greenish-yellow when ripe. Fruits<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
(Can form chains).<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
2-12 Spines Spines spines, 0.8-3cm long. Spines Trunks Spines<br />
often covered in spines. Off whitecream.<br />
(Off white-cream sheath<br />
<br />
attached).<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
18<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
19
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Cylindropuntia kleiniae<br />
Shauna Potter Shauna Potter<br />
Straggly shrub to 0.5-2.5m tall. Large<br />
plants form a trunk. Deciduous leaves.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Light grey-green. 6-26cm long,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
0.6-1.2cm Stem Segments diameter.<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Pink-red.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Egg Fruits or cylinder shaped.<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Ripens Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
to orange.<br />
<br />
1-4 <br />
Spinesspines, 2-4.5cm long. Spines<br />
White Spinesto brown.<br />
<br />
(Tan sheath firmly attached).<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
20<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
21
Cylindropuntia<br />
leptocaulis<br />
Pencil cactus<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Shauna Potter Bob Chinnock<br />
Spreading shrub 0.4-1.8m tall.<br />
Deciduous leaves.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Green-grey green. Very slender,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
2-8cm long, 0.3-0.5cm diameter.<br />
<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Pale to greenish yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits egg shaped.<br />
Yellow Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
to red when ripe.<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spineless. Often sterile.<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
0-4 Spines Spines spines, 0.5-1.5cm Spines long.<br />
Cream to pale yellow.<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
22<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
23
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Cylindropuntia prolifera<br />
Jumping cholla<br />
Shauna Potter Bob Chinnock<br />
Low shrub 0.4-1m tall.<br />
Deciduous leaves.<br />
Greenish grey. 4-15cm long,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
4-5cm diameter. Easily detached.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Prominent Stem Segments tubercles. Stem Segments<br />
<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Rose to magenta.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Top shaped, 2-5cm long. Green.<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Can Fruits form chains. Usually sterile. Fruits<br />
7-11 spines, 1-2cm long.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Light to dark brown, interlacing.<br />
(White to tan sheath firmly<br />
attached).<br />
24<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
25
Cylindropuntia<br />
spinosior<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Shauna Potter Bob Chinnock<br />
Erect shrub to 1m tall. Often forming<br />
patches several metres wide. Similar to<br />
C. prolifera, but different spine and fruit<br />
colour. Deciduous leaves.<br />
Mid grey-green. 10-24cm long,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
1.5-3cm diameter. Firmly attached.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Prominent tubercles.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Rose-purple.<br />
Flowers Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits cylindrical, to 4cm long. Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Yellow, Fruits sometimes green. Fruits<br />
<br />
6-24 Spines Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
spines, 0.8-1.5cm Spines long,<br />
Spines<br />
interlacing. Spines White to grey. Spines (White<br />
<br />
sheath firmly attached).<br />
26<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
27
Cylindropuntia rosea<br />
Hudson pear<br />
(White-spined)<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Shauna Potter Bob Chinnock<br />
Low, spreading shrub, 0.5-1m tall.<br />
Up to 3m wide. Old plants can develop<br />
trunks, but not commonly seen.<br />
Deciduous leaves.<br />
Grey-pale Stem Segments green. 4.5-26cm<br />
Stem Segments<br />
long, Stem 1.5-3.5cm Segments diameter. Easily<br />
<br />
detached. Prominent tubercles.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Pink-red.<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Oblong to egg shaped, to Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
3cm long. Green-yellow green. Fruits<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Sterile hybrid.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
7-14 spines, 1-4cm long. Spines White to<br />
light brown. (White sheath loosely<br />
<br />
attached).<br />
28<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
29
Cylindropuntia tunicata<br />
Hudson pear<br />
(Brown-spined)<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Shauna Potter Bob Chinnock<br />
Low, densely branched shrub 0.3<br />
to 0.6m tall. Deciduous leaves.<br />
Pale grey-green. 10-20cm long,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
1.5-3cm diameter. Easily detached.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Prominent tubercles.<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Yellowish-brown.<br />
Flowers<br />
Club to top shaped.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Greenish-yellowish Fruits<br />
to red. Fruits<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spineless. Usually sterile.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
4-7 spines, 3-7cm long. SpinesRed-brown<br />
to pale brown. (Brownish sheath<br />
<br />
loosely attached).<br />
30<br />
Austrocylindropuntia & Cylindropuntia<br />
31
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia aurantiaca<br />
Tiger pear<br />
Bob Chinnock Shauna Shauna Potter Potter<br />
Low spreading shrub to 0.3m tall.<br />
Branches prostrate to somewhat erect.<br />
Dark green to dark purple.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flattened, sometimes rounded,<br />
<br />
6-15cm long.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Easily Flowers detached.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
No Stem tubercles.<br />
Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Yellow to orange-yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits globular shaped, to Fruits 3cm<br />
Fruits Spines<br />
Fruits Spines<br />
long. FruitsRed-purple. Sterile. Fruits<br />
<br />
Usually Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines 2-3 spines, 1-3cm Spines long.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Brown-yellowish.<br />
<br />
32<br />
Opuntia<br />
33
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia elata<br />
Riverina pear<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Shrubby plant with erect branches<br />
to 2m tall.<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Glossy green, sometimes<br />
Stem Segments<br />
with a purple tinge (especially<br />
<br />
around areoles and margins).<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Often Flowers more than 2cm thick, Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
5-25cm Stem Segments long.<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Orange.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Club Fruitshaped, to 6cm long.<br />
Fruits Spines<br />
Fruits<br />
Purplish Fruits red.<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines absent, or 1-3 short spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
present at some areoles. Whitish<br />
<br />
yellow.<br />
34<br />
Opuntia<br />
35
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia elatior<br />
Kevin Thiele<br />
Shrubby, forming dense, much branched<br />
clumps 5m tall.<br />
Olive green. Oblong shaped,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
10-40cm long.<br />
<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Yellow-orange,<br />
Flowers<br />
with red stripes.<br />
Flowers<br />
Egg Fruits shaped.<br />
Fruits<br />
Reddish when ripe.<br />
<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
2-8 Spinesspines, 2-4cm long. SpinesNeedle<br />
like. Dark brown.<br />
<br />
Shepherd, R.C.H.<br />
www.anbg.gov.au<br />
36<br />
Opuntia<br />
37
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia engelmannii<br />
Troy Bowman Greg Patrick<br />
Low shrub to 1.5m tall. Forms dense<br />
clumps. Can be confused with O. robusta,<br />
but has a low, creeping habit and the<br />
pads do not have the milky blue green<br />
appearance.<br />
Green.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flattened, round to egg shaped,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
15-20cm Stem Segments long.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits to 7cm long.<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Purple. Fruits Almost spineless.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
1-6 spines, 1-4cm long. Yellowish.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
38<br />
Opuntia<br />
39
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia ficus-indica*<br />
Indian fig<br />
Bob Chinnock<br />
Large shrub/tall tree to 5m tall.<br />
Usually with a trunk.<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Dull blue-green. Flattened,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
egg to oblong shape,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
20-60cm Stem Segments long.<br />
Flowers<br />
Yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
To Fruits 10cm long. Yellow, orange,<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
red, Fruits purple.<br />
Fruits<br />
<br />
Mostly Spines<br />
Spines spineless cultivars Spines<br />
Spines<br />
in <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
*Note O. ficus-indica is not a Weed of<br />
National Significance and is not a declared<br />
weed in all States and Territories.<br />
40<br />
Opuntia<br />
41
Opuntia microdasys<br />
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Bunny ears or<br />
Golden bristle cactus<br />
Shauna Potter Julie Dean<br />
Branched shrub, forming thickets to<br />
1m tall.<br />
Green to pale green and velvety.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Round to oblong shaped, 6-15cm<br />
Stem Segments<br />
long. Distinctive clusters of<br />
Stem Segments<br />
yellow Stem Flowers Segments glochids.<br />
Flowers<br />
Yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fleshy, globular shaped, to Fruits 3cm<br />
Fruits<br />
long. Red-purple. Sterile.<br />
<br />
Spines usually absent,<br />
Spines<br />
rarely one.<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
42<br />
Opuntia<br />
43
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia monacantha<br />
Drooping tree pear<br />
Shauna Potter Shauna Potter<br />
Erect shrub to 2m tall, sometimes with<br />
a short trunk. Plant has an obvious<br />
drooping appearance.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Glossy green. Oblong to egg<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
shaped, Stem Segmentsthin profile, 10-30cm long.<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Yellow or orange-yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers Flowers<br />
Pear Fruitshaped, to 7cm long.<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Red. Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spineless.<br />
<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
1-2 Spinesspines, 2-4cm long.<br />
Spines<br />
Brown Spines to off-white.<br />
<br />
Spines<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
44<br />
Opuntia<br />
45
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia robusta<br />
Wheel cactus<br />
Shauna Potter Greg Patrick<br />
Shrubby /tree-like to 2m tall.<br />
Many branches.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Blue green. Circular shape, thick<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
profile, to 40cm wide.<br />
<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits globular shaped, to Fruits 8cm<br />
long. Fruits<br />
FruitsDeep red. Numerous<br />
Fruits<br />
fertile<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
seeds.<br />
Spines<br />
2-12 Spines Spines spines, up to 5cm<br />
long. White to pale<br />
<br />
brown or yellow.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
46<br />
Opuntia<br />
47
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia stricta<br />
Common prickly pear<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
Sprawling/ erect shrub, up to 2m tall.<br />
Forms thickets.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Blue-green. Egg or oblong shaped,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
10-25cm long.<br />
<br />
Stem Flowers Segments<br />
Yellow.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Spines<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fleshy, Fruits globular to pear shaped, Fruits<br />
to Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
6cm long. Purplish red.<br />
Fruits<br />
<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Numerous fertile seeds.<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
In Spines Spines var. stricta spines Spines are absent Spines<br />
or the occasional one may be<br />
<br />
present on a pad but in var.<br />
dillenii there are up to 11 spines,<br />
1.5-4 cm long.<br />
48<br />
Opuntia<br />
49
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Opuntia tomentosa<br />
Velvet pear<br />
Shauna Potter Shauna Potter<br />
Shrubby to treelike, up to 5m tall.<br />
Often with a trunk. Segments and fruits<br />
covered in fine hairs, giving a velvety<br />
appearance.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Oblong to egg shaped,<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
15-30cm Stem Segments long.<br />
<br />
Flowers<br />
Orange.<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers Flowers<br />
Globular Fruits to egg shaped,<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
to Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
5cm long. Red.<br />
<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Stem Segments<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Flowers<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Fruits<br />
Often spineless, but can have<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
Spines<br />
0-4 Spines spines, 0.5-1.5cm long. Spines<br />
<br />
Whitish-yellow.<br />
Stem Segments<br />
50<br />
Opuntia<br />
51
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
How they spread<br />
Vegetative spread is the most common form<br />
of dispersal, and can occur year round when<br />
segments, immature fruit or flowers detach and<br />
make ground contact. New shoots then grow<br />
from areoles on the upper surface of the segment.<br />
Segments of many opuntioids will attach easily<br />
to clothing, footwear and the fur and limbs of<br />
animals, aiding their spread. New growth (and<br />
spread) can also occur from flowers, from which<br />
new shoots or roots can grow.<br />
Seeds are a less common form of spread as not all<br />
opuntioid cacti produce viable seed. Species such<br />
as wheel cactus (O. robusta) and common prickly<br />
pear (O. stricta) produce bright, large fruit that are<br />
attractive to birds, aiding dispersal. Other animals,<br />
such as foxes, also spread the seed.<br />
The spread of cacti is aided by the movement<br />
of water; hence distribution often occurs along<br />
watercourses, drainage lines and across flood<br />
plains.<br />
Where they grow<br />
Opuntioid cacti grow throughout a wide climatic<br />
range, from arid, semiarid environments to warm<br />
temperate, sub-tropical and tropical areas.<br />
In <strong>Australia</strong> they appear to have no preference for<br />
soil types and are found growing in calcareous loam,<br />
shallow granite, red earths and clay soils. Cacti flourish<br />
around old homesteads, dumps and mine sites.<br />
What to do about them<br />
While there are several options for managing<br />
opuntioid cacti, the most appropriate method will<br />
depend on the size and age of the infestation, site<br />
access, resources and the species being managed.<br />
For large infestations, integrated weed management<br />
approaches will be necessary, using a combination<br />
of biological control (if available), herbicides and or/<br />
manual removal. Follow-up is essential in any control<br />
program, particularly given the ability of cacti to<br />
reproduce from segments or fruit.<br />
Spread prevention<br />
Opuntioid cacti are spread from the movement of<br />
seeds, fruit and segments via birds, animals, water,<br />
vehicles, equipment and people. Good hygiene is<br />
essential when working in infested areas, including<br />
staying on tracks. All segments and fruits should<br />
be removed from an area as they are capable of<br />
regrowing, even under very harsh conditions.<br />
52 53
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Chemical control<br />
The <strong>Australia</strong>n Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines<br />
Authority (APVMA) regulates the use of chemicals<br />
in <strong>Australia</strong>. For more details on herbicide<br />
registration and permits visit the APVMA website,<br />
www.apvma.gov.au.<br />
Registration of herbicides varies across states and<br />
territories. You should always check the product<br />
label and seek advice from your local council or<br />
state/territory weed management agency for<br />
information on spray rates and adjuvants.<br />
Opuntia species respond well to stem/ pad<br />
injection, while many Cylindropuntia species<br />
require overall spraying. When using herbicides,<br />
care must be taken to ensure adequate coverage<br />
of the plant (all sides of the segments) to prevent<br />
regrowth. In the case of foliar spraying, the addition<br />
of a marker dye will assist with identifying any missed<br />
plants or segments.<br />
Plants should be actively growing and not under stress<br />
from heat/drought or cold conditions. Plants may<br />
die quicker as a result of warm weather spraying, as<br />
cooler conditions can slow the uptake of herbicides.<br />
Herbicides may not result in a complete kill.<br />
Control sites should therefore be monitored for<br />
regrowth and follow-up activities applied if necessary.<br />
Cylindropuntia prolifera<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
54 55
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Fire<br />
Hot fires can kill plants, although regrowth may<br />
occur. Burning can also assist in providing access<br />
to sites so that other control activities can take<br />
place. Removing the bulk of the plant through<br />
burning can also reduce the amount of herbicide<br />
required for follow up control. Advice should be<br />
sought and permission may be required in areas<br />
of native vegetation. Check with your local council<br />
or state/ territory weed management agency.<br />
Grazing<br />
The spines on opuntioid cacti prevent grazing in<br />
most instances, however, stock and other animals<br />
sometimes feed on less spiny species in times of<br />
drought. In most instances the presence of opuntioid<br />
cacti limits or prevents grazing activities.<br />
Cylindropuntia imbricata<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
56 57
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Mechanical control<br />
Care must be taken when mechanically or<br />
physically removing opuntioid cacti due to their<br />
spiny nature. Small, isolated plants are easier to<br />
remove than large, dense infestations and some<br />
species, such as Hudson pear and devil’s rope,<br />
can pose significant risk of injury when handled.<br />
Physical removal can be difficult as any segments<br />
detached in the process can regrow to form new<br />
plants. Material must be disposed of appropriately<br />
via deep burial.<br />
Biological control<br />
There are two main agents used in the biological<br />
control of opuntioid cacti – Cactoblastis cactorum,<br />
a moth with stem boring larvae, and several<br />
Dactylopius species, cochineal scale insects.<br />
Cactoblastis has been extremely successful in<br />
controlling common prickly pear (O. stricta)<br />
in most situations, although it is less effective<br />
in cooler, wetter areas or very dry locations.<br />
Cactoblastis larvae feed on segments, resulting<br />
in the collapse of plants. They can feed on a<br />
range of opuntioid cacti, but are only effective at<br />
controlling common prickly pear.<br />
Henry Rutherford<br />
the effectiveness of cochineal. However, successful<br />
control is possible for tiger pear, common prickly pear,<br />
drooping tree pear, devil’s rope and velvety tree pear.<br />
It is relatively easy to infect vulnerable cacti species<br />
with Cactoblastis and cochineal by re-distributing the<br />
agents either as eggs (in the case of Cactoblastis) or<br />
by placing infected segments on unaffected plants<br />
(in the case of Cactoblastis larvae or cochineal).<br />
Researchers are investigating potential cochineal<br />
strains for the control of Hudson pear and trials are<br />
underway for the use of cochineal on wheel cactus.<br />
Opuntia robusta<br />
There are several Dactylopius species (cochineal)<br />
present in <strong>Australia</strong>. The species look similar to the<br />
naked eye so it is important to use the correct<br />
cochineal. For example, cochineal that is effective<br />
on tiger pear will not work on common prickly<br />
pear. Heavy rain and cold weather can inhibit<br />
58 59
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Legislation<br />
Opuntioid cacti are declared weeds in <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Opuntia ficus-indica (Indian or Barbaryfig) is<br />
generally excluded from declaration (except in<br />
Western <strong>Australia</strong>) as it is a commercial food crop<br />
in parts of <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Opuntia tomentosa<br />
Weed control contacts<br />
ACT Dept of the Environment, Climate Change,<br />
Energy and Water<br />
13 22 81<br />
environment@act.gov.au<br />
www.environment.act.gov.au/environment<br />
NSW Dept of Primary Industries<br />
1800 680 244<br />
weeds@dpi.nsw.gov.au<br />
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds<br />
NT Dept of Land Resource Management<br />
08 8999 4567<br />
weedinfo@nt.gov.au<br />
www.nt.gov.au/weeds<br />
QLD Biosecurity Queensland, Dept of Employment,<br />
Economic Development and Innovation<br />
13 25 23<br />
callweb@dpi.qld.gov.au<br />
www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au<br />
SA Biosecurity SA, Dept of Primary Industries<br />
and Regions SA<br />
08 8303 9620<br />
nrmbiosecurity@sa.gov.au<br />
www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/nrm_biosecurity/weeds<br />
TAS Dept of Primary Industries, Parks,<br />
Water and Environment<br />
1300 368 550<br />
Go to www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/weeds , scroll to the<br />
bottom of the page and click on “weedsenquiries”<br />
www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/weeds<br />
VIC Dept of Primary Industries<br />
13 61 86<br />
customer.service@dpi.vic.gov.au<br />
new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds<br />
WA Dept of Agriculture and Food<br />
08 9368 3333<br />
enquiries@agric.wa.gov.au<br />
www.agric.wa.gov.au<br />
Shauna Potter<br />
<strong>Australia</strong> wide<br />
<strong>Australia</strong>n Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority<br />
02 6210 4701<br />
contact@apvma.gov.au<br />
www.apvma.gov.au<br />
60 61
<strong>Field</strong> <strong>Identification</strong> <strong>Guide</strong><br />
Austrocylindropuntia, Cylindropuntia and Opuntia species<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
Compiled by Shauna Potter and Henry<br />
Rutherford, Biosecurity SA, April 2013.<br />
Key references<br />
Chuk, M. (2010) Invasive cacti – a threat to the<br />
rangeland of <strong>Australia</strong>. Proceedings of the 16th<br />
Biennial Conference of the <strong>Australia</strong>n Rangeland<br />
Society, Burke (Eds D.J. Eldridge and C. Waters)<br />
Edmunds, L.J. (2006) A community approach<br />
to pest plant control in South <strong>Australia</strong>’s<br />
rangelands. . In C. Preston, J.H. Watts and<br />
N.D. Crossman (eds). Proceedings of the<br />
15th <strong>Australia</strong>n <strong>Weeds</strong> Conference. Weed<br />
Management Society of South <strong>Australia</strong>,<br />
Adelaide, pp. 203-206.<br />
Harvey, A. (2009) Draft state opuntioid cacti<br />
management plan (2009). Primary Industries<br />
and Regions South <strong>Australia</strong>.<br />
Holtkamp, R.H. (2006) Hudson pear. Primefact<br />
240. NSW DPI.<br />
Hosking, J.R., McFadyen, R.E., Murray, N.D.<br />
(1988). Distribution and biological control<br />
of cactus species in eastern <strong>Australia</strong>. Plant<br />
Protection Quarterly 3(3): 115-123.<br />
Johnson, S.B., Hosking, J.R., Chinnock, R.J. and<br />
Holtkamp, R.H. (2009) The biology of <strong>Australia</strong>n<br />
weeds 53. Cylindropuntia rosea (DC.) Backeb.<br />
and Cylindropuntia tunicata (Lehm.) F.M. Knuth.<br />
Plant Protection Quarterly 24 (2), 42- 49.<br />
Parsons, W.T. and Cuthbertson, E.G. (2001).<br />
Noxious <strong>Weeds</strong> of <strong>Australia</strong> (2nd ed.) CSIRO<br />
Publishing, Collingwood.<br />
Prickly pear (Opuntia, Nopalea and<br />
Acanthocereus spp.) fact sheet (2009).<br />
Queensland Government<br />
Cylindropuntia fulgida var. mamillata<br />
Information and guide revision<br />
Julie Dean, David Cooke, Adrian Harvey & Kenn Pearce (PIRSA);<br />
Mike Chuk, (DCQ); Royce Holtkamp, John Hosking and Stephen<br />
Johnson (DPI NSW); Bill Palmer (DAFF QLD); Bob Chinnock; Ruth<br />
Myers (DPI Vic); Kym Haebich (SA MDB NRM Board); Karen<br />
Stewart (DPIPWE).<br />
62 63
ShAUna Potter
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