Opuntia wootonii

Structure and material of the original description

In the description of Opuntia wootonii, main branches spread horizontally, rise or rest on the ground along their edges, while secondary branches grow vertically. Segments are widest in the middle and taper towards both ends. Long spines are flattened, often twisted and finely ringed, with darker colour at their bases. Glochids form extensive tufts that enlarge as the areole ages. [Griffiths 1910, p. 171–172]

The description was prepared primarily from a plant in its third year of growth after a segment was planted and supplemented with flower and fruit observations in Edward O. Wooton's collection. The original material came from the Organ Mountains in New Mexico. Flowers from yellow to deep orange-red and reddish purple fruits were reported. [Griffiths 1910, p. 172]

Current name and former combinations

POWO accepts Opuntia wootonii Griffiths as a distinct species with a natural range from New Mexico to western Texas and northeastern Mexico. Homotypic synonyms are Opuntia engelmannii var. wootonii (Griffiths) Fosberg and Opuntia phaeacantha var. wootonii (Griffiths) L.D.Benson. Both names denote later combinations based on the same original name. [2-WWW]

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