Opuntia elatior (forum)

Johann starts with ...
Hi, I am wondering if anyone may have this prickly pear fruiting plant available? Scientific name is Opuntia elatior. It is a sterile clone that produces lots of round, bright red fruits. There is a big plant growing in the Melbourne Botanical Gardens Arid Garden, in South Yarra. I'm sure someone must have it in a private collection. It is more prickly than the common Indian Fig, and has smaller pads that are a bright green and the flowers are pinkish with yellow centres.

Here are some links to photos of the one in the botanical gardens. If you can help, please reply on this forum.

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10552&size=3

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10556&size=3

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10553&size=3

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10554&size=3

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10555&size=3

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/phtml?pc=dig&pn=10551&size=3

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Opuntia_elatior.jpg

http://www.anbg.gov.au/photo/apii/genus/Opuntia (just click on each of the elatior links and enlarge).


Time: 3rd August 2010 11:30am

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About the Author IanM
Australia
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Frank says...
You might have to sneak a piece off the Melbourne plant when no one is looking. If it is a sterile clone then it is unlikely that anyone has seed.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 8th August 2010 9:06am

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Johann says...
Hi Frank, Only problem with that is I do not live near Melbourne. I'm sure it must be in a private garden some place.

Time: 8th August 2010 9:55pm

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Jason says...
If you want it for fruit maybe it's better to find one of the spineless varieties. Years ago I heard someone in Benalla or somewhere around there was trying to grow them commercially and had the proper Mexican varieties

Time: 9th August 2010 12:35am

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About the Author Jason10
Portland, Vic
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Johann says...
Have plenty of the regular fruiting varieties. I specifically want Opuntia elatior, which is why I described it in such detail. Thanks.

Time: 9th August 2010 3:08pm

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About the Author IanM
Australia
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