Opuntia galapageia grows across all of the Galápagos islands in the arid zone near sea level and lowlands. It becomes very large, arborescent, 2,5-5 meters high, with a well-developed trunk and a large top compact and rounded.
Solitary stem with dense, tough spines, straw-colored or brownish. Yellow flowers form an uneven crown at the plant's apex, struggling to push through the thick layer of spines.
Globose black/purple greyish-brown body. Black to brownish spines, that became whitish-grey with a black base as they age. Flowers creamy white with a shade of pink or red
