J20160623-0085Opuntia phaeacanthaRPBG

Description:

Opuntia phaeacanthabrown-spined prickly pear. This species has been a battleground between lumpers and splitters for generations. To give an idea of the size of the issue, the USDA PLANTS Database points to 16 different ITIS entries (and the Jepson eFlora adds two more). For a short overview of the taxonomic problems this species presents see the Flora of North America treatment: www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=2... . Photographed at Regional Parks Botanic Garden located in Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley, CA.