About Micropuntia pulchella (Engelm.) M.P.Griff.
Micropuntia pulchella (Engelm.) M.P.Griff. differs from other North American opuntioid cacti in its geophytic growth habit. In unfavorable conditions, all above-ground growth dies back to the plant's crown, and resprouts when conditions become more favorable. Botanists have described the plant's underground storage structure as either a "tuberous root" or a true tuber. Its above-ground stems are variable in shape, ranging from cylindrical to globular. The areoles of this cactus bear flexible yellow spines and white wool. In many cases, the above-ground growth develops a cushion-plant habit. The flowers are bright magenta, and the fruits are dehiscent. Its seeds are distinct, with a groove that runs along the hilar surface. Micropuntia pulchella grows in gravelly alluvial fans, which are often located above salt flats or alkali basins. The species can be locally common, but individual plants are difficult to find, as they often grow beneath other shrubs such as shadscale.
