opuntia quitensis

Opuntia quitensis is native to the central Ecuadorian Andes, typically found on rocky slopes between 2500-3200 m elevation. It is a polycarpic shrub with flattened cladodes and short spines, distinguished by dense glochids and yellow-greenish flowers uncommon in the genus. Flattened cladodes measuring 8-15 cm, arranged in irregular overlapping segments. Short spines (3-6 mm) with dense, thin glochids. Matte green coloration with bluish tones, shifting to reddish under water stress.