Opuntia Mill.

28 species naturalized Aust., all states and territories except Tas.

Perennials with fleshy often flattened and jointed stems. Leaves small, caducous, with axillary areoles bearing spines and/or hairs. Sepals and petals numerous, imbricate. Stamens numerous. Ovary inferior, with numerous ovules scattered on the walls; style with several branches. Fruit a berry, reddish to purple when ripe.