Opuntia robusta

English names: Wheel cactus, nopal tapon

Latin name: Opuntia robusta

Family: Cactus – Cactaceae

Origin: Mexico

This species usually reaches a height of 1 metre, though it may grow even to three metres tall when supported. The flattened stem segments are round, fleshy and blue-grey in colour.  About 30 cm. in diameter, they are protected by sharp spines, about 5 cm. long. The yellow flowers, with a fleshy base, grow from the edges of the upper stem segments. The pink, barrel-shaped fruits  grow up to 8 cm. long.