Traits of the plants described
Griffiths described Opuntia gomei as an ascending plant whose main branches often rest on the substrate along their edges, while lateral branches grow vertically. Segments ranged from almost round to ovoid. Older large specimens had uneven, wavy margins. Areoles changed colour from vivid brown through dark brown to grey-black. Conspicuous yellow glochids were sometimes clustered at the top or occupied the whole areole. [Griffiths 1910, p. 167]
Large spines were described as yellow, somewhat flattened and spreading in different directions. Flowers were yellow and the stigma intensely green. Fruits were reddish purple. This set of traits concerns the plants on which the 1910 description was based. [Griffiths 1910, p. 167]
Site and name history
Type material was collected near Brownsville, Texas, and observations covered small rises in the Rio Grande delta and neighbouring flat areas. The author noted periodic flooding of some sites. Plants died during floods and reappeared on the ground between such events. This is a historical account of local habitat dynamics. [Griffiths 1910, p. 167–168]
The name commemorates William Gome, whose assistance Griffiths acknowledged in the species description. POWO accepts the name Opuntia gomei Griffiths. [Griffiths 1910, p. 168] [2-WWW]
Related articles
Synonyms and names in the literature
Opuntia cyanella · Opuntia gilvoalba · Opuntia laxiflora [2-WWW]