Opuntia pentlandii (Cactus)

Very particular and strongly spiny cactaceae, even if at first sight it might not appear such. It is formed by ovoid bodies that do not exceed the 5 cm of length and grow on top of each other to create large branches with asymmetrical shapes, almost like a sort of peculiar coral. Each segment, of a nice pale green tending with the sun to assume reddish shades, is equipped with conical tubercles from which protrude roundish whitish areoles enriched by sparse long and needle-like spines and by very short tufts of yellowish thorns, extremely thin and almost invisible. The wild charm of this cactaceae changes completely when its large flowers bloom on the notes of orange and red, able to bring a touch of vivacity and delicacy at the same time!