About Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.) Cockerell
Opuntia littoralis, also known by its scientific name Opuntia littoralis (Engelm.) Cockerell, typically grows in dense clumps that spread several meters wide, and reaches up to 1 meter (3 ft) tall. Its branches are composed of oval-shaped flat segments that grow up to 22 centimetres (8.7 in) long. The plant is covered in clusters of yellowish spines that measure 2 to 4 centimetres (0.79 to 1.57 in) long. Its flowers range in color from pale yellow to dull red, and bloom from May to June. The fruit is purplish red, grows up to 5 centimetres (2.0 in) long, and is edible. This cactus is native to Southern California and Baja California, Mexico, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. It also grows offshore on the Islas Coronados — located south-southwest of Tijuana, Baja California and San Diego, California — as well as on the California Channel Islands. Opuntia littoralis is variable in appearance, with several recognized varieties and hybrids that occur where it co-occurs with similar related species.
