Stem, root and areole maturation
Griffiths described Opuntia xanthoglochia as a plant with tuberous roots, with branches arranged radially and often resting on the ground along the edges of their segments. Segments were usually about 10 × 15 cm, dark green, initially covered with bloom, and their surface bulged distinctly near the areoles. The description gave slender, flattened and often twisted spines, usually single or in pairs. [Griffiths 1910, p. 166–167]
Glochids on young segments were light brown, later pale yellow. The author noted the formation of successive glochids in the middle of the areole, their increasing length and a concentric arrangement of older and younger growth. These traits describe changes in one areole over time, so a young segment and an old branch may look different. [Griffiths 1910, p. 166]
Flowers and origin of the description
Flowers were described as lemon yellow with a highly variable amount of red, from complete absence through a patch at the petal bases to colour along their midvein. As the flower aged, it changed to orange or pinkish shades. The characterisation combined observations of plants near Milano, Texas, with a specimen grown from a single segment. The flower description was prepared at the site in May 1910. [Griffiths 1910, p. 166–167]
POWO accepts Opuntia xanthoglochia Griffiths as a species and gives its natural range in central Texas. The first publication of the name dates from 1910. [2-WWW]