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Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis
The plant likes a sunny habitat.
Always water a few days after the substrate has dried out. Do not water in winter.
It can tolerate -1.1 °C in the short term. However, the plant is not hardy.
Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis is said to be the tallest cactus in the Opuntioideae subfamily.
Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis, is also known by the popular names Brazilian Prickley Pear, or by the synonyms Brasiliopuntia argentina, Brasiliopuntia bahiensis, Opuntia Heterocladus. It belongs to a large area including Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, northern Argentina and even Florida. Its height, which in nature reaches an impressive 20 metres, has earned it the title of the tallest cactus in the Opuntioideae subfamily.
The cactus' outcrops are small and bright green, and some fall off early, an unusual characteristic for cacti. The stems of the cactus are covered with long spines that serve to protect it from herbivores. The cactus has a tree-like character and grows to a respectable height of up to 20 metres when mature, but in our conditions it does not grow that tall.
When mature, it produces pale yellow to yellow-orange flowers. The pear-shaped fruits are yellow, red, orange or purple and grow to 4 cm long.
The cactus should not be fertilised in any way. The wood of Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis is strong and durable and is therefore used for furniture, musical instruments and other items. The tallest cactus of its kind will delight its grower and leave him admiring the rich green form of the tree-like cactus.