opuntia microdasys aureispina

Native to central Mexico, Opuntia microdasys aureispina thrives on sandy and gravelly soils, typically on semi-arid slopes. This polycarpic species is notable within its genus for dense, uniformly distributed golden-yellow glochids covering oval cladodes. Oval cladodes 7-12 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs, densely covered with 2-3 mm long golden-yellow glochids, lacking true spines. Light green color, fades slightly under intense summer sunlight.