Opuntia
To the species described on pp. 502-4, Vol. II., the following should now be added:
O. filipendula(drooping-threaded). fl. purplish, 2 1/2in. in diameter, very handsome. May and June. Stems about 1ft. high, spreading; joints flat, round or oval, about 3in. long, often less, bluish-glaucous; cushions 1/2in. apart, composed of a little tuft of white, woolly hair, and a cluster of erect, rather strong bristles; spines usually one to each cushion, slender, deflexed, white, 1in. to 2in. long, but absent from some joints. Mexico. Stove. O. macrorhiza (large-rooted). fl. yellow, large and beautiful. Summer. Stems cylindrical at maturity; joints flattened, battledore-like, with deciduous spines longer than the tufted bristles on the stems, the newly-developed joints having small leaves; roots thick and fleshy, having the appearance of potatoes, and supposed to be edible. Texas. This species resembles O. Rafinesquii.
O. rosea (rosy). fl. bright rose, 2in. across, borne on the ends of the ripened growths of the year, usually clustered. June. Stem erect, freely branching; joints 2in. to 6in. long, cylindrical; tubercles ridge-like, bearing on their points small cushions of very fine bristles, and tufts of pale yellowish spines about 1/2in. long all pointing upwards. Brazil. A distinct and handsome, but rare species.
