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O. bergeriana is a
useful strong and long lasting grafting stock, it is very successful
with big columnar cacti, but it is also used for globular species and
for grafting other opuntias too. This plant is reasonably hardy and is a
good stock for frost sensitive species
like Melocactus.
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Description:
O. bergeriana is a strong shrubby species, it can grows up to 4.5
m with pads that can be up to 40 cm long. This plant produces bright red
flowers in profusion also in small specimen.
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The buds |
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Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus
Family)
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Origin: This plant is
native of the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America,
but actually it is fully
naturalized in many part of the world like Mediterranean, Australia,
Africa and India.
Synonyms:
- Opuntia bergeriana F.A.C.Weber ex A.Berger
- Opuntia elatior Mill.
- Cactus tuna var. elatior
- Cactus elatior
Stamens with dark red
filaments and cream
anthers.
Stigma green. |
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Cultivation:
It is a low maintenance plant that tolerate considerable neglect and
will naturalize . Easy to cultivate outdoor in dry, sandy or gravely,
well-drained soils. May be grown in clay soils as long as drainage is
good and soils do not remain wet, it is very adaptable both in acid,
neutral and basic (alkaline) soils, but prefers a pH in the range 6 to
7.5. No serious insect or disease problems.
Watering Needs:
Must be kept fairly dry in
winter but likes a reasonable supply of water in the growing
season, tolerate dry condition but suffer if exposed to
prolonged and severe drought. A position at the base of a
south-facing wall or somewhere that can be protected from winter
rain is best for this plant, but is however resistant to
moisture and rain.
Sun Exposure: Full sun
(only), in semi shaded position wont produce many flowers.
Frost Tolerance: Plants
are reasonably cold-hardy , tolerating temperatures of -5° to -10° C
(depending on clone), they are also quite tolerant of winter wet. (In
good drained soils)
Propagation:
Propagated by cuttings of leaf pads at any time in the growing
season.
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