noun
- plural of opuntia; cacti of the genus Opuntia, characterized by flattened, jointed stems and typically bearing spines
Usage: botanical
Examples
- The desert garden featured several species of opuntias with their distinctive flat pads.
- Opuntias are native to the Americas but have spread to many other regions.
- The botanist studied the different spine patterns found on various opuntias.
- Many opuntias produce colorful flowers followed by edible fruits.
- The greenhouse collection included both large and miniature opuntias.
- Opuntias are well-adapted to arid climates and require minimal water.