Opuntia humifusa Those recognizing this species treat "Opuntia rafinesquii" as a junior synonym. This plant is very intolerant of shade. It thrives in full sun in hot and dry environments and needs well-drained soil. Opuntia humifusa will grow in open or exposed areas in rocky and coastal scrub habits as well as at elevations where winter hardy. Opuntia humifusa Opuntia humifusa, commonly known as the devil's-tongue, eastern prickly pear or Indian fig, is a cactus native to parts of eastern North America. As is the case in other "Opuntia" species, the green stems of this low-growing perennial cactus are flattened, and are
Opuntia arenaria Opuntia arenaria Opuntia arenaria was considered a variety of "O. polyacantha" by many botanists, and is still treated that way in the Flora of North America. However, "O. arenaria" is diploid and "O. polyacantha" is tetraploid. It was described by Engelmann in 1856. "Opuntia arenaria" can grow in soil that is essentially pure sand. It has rhizomes up to 1.5 m long that give rise to above ground shoots with small cladodes that are 4-7 x 2–3 cm in size. Major spines are found in the distal areoles and are often reflexed, up to 30 mm long. Minor spines are