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Austrocylindropuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Backeb.
| Family Name: | Cactaceae |
| Synonyms: | Opuntia subulata (Muehlenpf.) Engelm. |
| Common Name: | Eve's Needle Cactus, Eve's Pin Cactus, Long Spine Cactus |
This succulent species is a popular houseplant.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Succulent Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Columnar |
| Maximum Height | 4 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Central & Southwestern Colombia, Peru to Bolivia |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Succulent tree cactus up to 4 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The green to yellow, succulent leaves are shaped like needles and grow up to 13 cm long. |
| Stems | Thick, green stem is evenly covered with round nodules known as tubercles and may be armed with spines. |
| Cultivation | It grows best in well-drained soil that is allowed to dry completely before watering thoroughly. |
| Etymology | The specific epithet 'subulata' is Latin for being shaped like an awl or needle, referring to the leaf shape. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Stem/Branch |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Yellow / Golden |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Sessile |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Subulate) |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Typical Foliar Size | 12.7 cm |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Bowl-shaped |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Red |
|---|
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34417 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8830 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |